No Hackney High Rise

A Campaign by Local Residents

No Hackney High Rise is a campaign led by local residents and community organisations in Hackney, opposing the construction of a 19-storey tower at 22–44 London Lane and other high-rise developments in the area.

The campaign, active in 2009 and 2011, raised concerns about the impact of such buildings on the area’s character, community cohesion, and existing infrastructure. It sought to persuade developers and the local council to rethink plans for tall buildings in predominantly low-rise, residential neighbourhoods like those surrounding London Fields.

Key aspects of the campaign:

• Opposition to a specific tower: The campaign initially focused on a proposed 19-storey tower by Southern Housing at 22-44 London Lane, which was located in a designated conservation area. 

• Concerns about community impact: Residents worried that high-rise developments would alter the character of the neighbourhood, make the community more transient (due to buy-to-let potential), and strain existing infrastructure. 

• Environmental and aesthetic impact: Opponents argued that tower blocks would be out of place in the low-rise environment and could set a precedent for more high-rise developments around areas like London Fields. 

• Advocacy by local groups: Our campaign group named No Hackney High-Rise spearheaded the opposition, holding meetings and providing information to residents. 

Outcome:

• While a proposal for the London Lane development was eventually rejected by Hackney Council, the campaign highlights a broader concern within the community regarding the planning and potential impact of high-rise buildings in Hackney.