This week in Hackney:

Residents Raise Noise Concerns Over New Music School Licence

Hackney Council's Licensing Sub Committee A met on Monday, February 23rd, to consider a controversial application for a premises licence for Point Blank Music School, located at 23-28 Penn Street, Hoxton, London N1 6DL. The school sought permission for a wide range of licensable activities, including live and recorded music, and the supply of alcohol until 11 pm daily.

The application triggered significant opposition from local residents, who voiced strong concerns about potential noise nuisance and public disorder. Residents living in nearby Duo Tower and Mono Tower reported that amplified music and vibrations were already audible through closed windows, impacting their sleep and ability to enjoy their homes. They warned that the street canyon effect of Penn Street could exacerbate noise issues. Concerns were also raised about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and crime, particularly with the proposed late-night alcohol sales, and the proximity to residential buildings and schools.

While the Police withdrew their objections after conditions were agreed, the Environmental Health Authority suggested conditions related to acoustic surveys and noise limitations. The committee had to weigh these concerns against the applicant's operating schedule and Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy¹. The outcome of this decision will directly affect the quality of life for residents living near the proposed music school.

The committee also reviewed the standard procedure for Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee A meeting

Council Faces Financial Challenges as Reserves Dwindle

Hackney Council's Audit Committee met on Tuesday, February 24th, to review the External Audit Completion Report for the 2024/25 financial year. The report from auditors Forvis Mazars LLP highlighted two significant weaknesses in the council's financial management, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability.

The auditors identified an unsustainable reliance on usable reserves and one-off resources to bridge budget gaps. Hackney's usable reserves have fallen dramatically from £154.1 million to £111.66 million, with the council projecting it has sufficient reserves only until March 2027 before they are exhausted. This situation could severely limit the council's ability to fund essential services in the future, potentially impacting everything from social care to waste collection. The council acknowledged this concern and stated its commitment to setting a budget for 2026/27 without using reserves, alongside developing a Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) to stabilise reserve levels.

A second major weakness was identified in Governance concerning Social Housing. The council failed to comply with Health and Safety standards in social housing, following a self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing. This is particularly concerning for residents living in council properties, as it points to potential risks and a need for urgent improvements in property safety and data management, especially following a cyber-attack. The council confirmed it is taking immediate action through an updated Housing Improvement Plan.

The Audit Committee resolved to note the report and authorised the Group Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to approve the final Statement of Accounts for 2024/25, pending the completion of outstanding work by the external auditor.

Read the full report on the Audit Committee meeting

Green Skills in Construction: A Focus for Economic Growth

The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission met on Monday, February 23rd, to discuss the crucial role of green skills within Hackney's construction sector. The meeting aimed to address the growing demand for environmentally conscious building practices and the skills gap that currently exists.

Presentations were expected from New City College, focusing on their retrofit training facilities, and from Hackney's Employment, Skills and Adult Learning team. The discussion was informed by research on the national skills gap in green construction, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainable development. This focus is vital for ensuring Hackney's economy can adapt to new environmental standards and create future-proof jobs for residents, particularly in areas like building retrofitting to improve energy efficiency.

The commission also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year, including plans to focus on business voice and support for high street businesses.

Read the full report on the Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission meeting

Other matters

• The Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday, February 26th, to consider several planning applications. These included proposals for new residential developments at Land to the Rear of 1-19 Victorian Grove and Thaxted Court, Murray Grove, as well as extensions at 1&3 Albert Close. The committee also reviewed a report on delegated decisions made between January 23rd and February 15th. Read the full report on the Planning Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Cabinet will meet on Monday 02 March 2026. View meeting details
• Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee will meet on Monday 02 March 2026. View meeting details
• Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 02 March 2026. View meeting details
• Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Tuesday 03 March 2026. View meeting details
• Council will meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026. View meeting details
• Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 09 March 2026. View meeting details
• Hackney Procurement Board will meet on Tuesday 10 March 2026. View meeting details
• Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Tuesday 10 March 2026. View meeting details
• Scrutiny Panel will meet on Wednesday 11 March 2026. View meeting details
• Planning Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 11 March 2026. View meeting details
• Licensing Sub Committee B will meet on Thursday 12 March 2026. View meeting details

This week in Hackney:

Noise Complaints Spark Review of Amhurst Road Premises Licence

Hackney Council's Licensing Sub Committee E met on Tuesday, February 17th, to consider serious concerns regarding noise disturbances emanating from premises at 235 Amhurst Road, London N16 7UN. The committee reviewed applications to modify the premises licence for the basement and the club premises certificate for Scoble Dominoes and Social Club, both located at this address.

The Environmental Health Authority initiated the reviews following 21 noise complaints over a ten-month period, with three substantiated as statutory noise nuisance. The authority sought to remove live and recorded music entirely as licensable activities from the Premises Licence and the Club Premises Certificate. This decision could significantly impact the operations of businesses at this location and directly addresses residents' concerns about public nuisance. The committee had a range of options, including modifying conditions, revoking licences, or taking no action. The outcome of these reviews is crucial for maintaining the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood for local residents.

The committee also addressed a standing item on Temporary Event Notices.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee E meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 23 February 2026 to discuss green skills and construction, and review the commission's work programme. View meeting details
• Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Monday 23 February 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Point Blank Music School. View meeting details
• Audit Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to review the External Audit Completion Report for the 2024/25 financial year. View meeting details
• Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. This meeting has been cancelled.
• Planning Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 26 February 2026 to consider several planning applications, including proposals for new residential developments. View meeting details
• Cabinet will meet on Monday 02 March 2026. View meeting details
• Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee will meet on Monday 02 March 2026. View meeting details
• Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 02 March 2026. View meeting details
• Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Tuesday 03 March 2026. View meeting details
• Council will meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026. View meeting details

This week in Hackney:

Council Tackles Housing Modernisation and Health Inequalities

Hackney Council is moving forward with a significant programme to modernise its housing stock, with a focus on improving the safety and functionality of lifts across the borough. Meanwhile, efforts to reduce health inequalities and promote physical activity are set to receive a substantial boost through a major grant award.

Over £7 Million Allocated for Lift Modernisation

The council is set to invest over £7 million in a new framework agreement to modernise its ageing lift stock. Many of Hackney's lifts are beyond their expected lifespan, leading to frequent breakdowns and difficulties in sourcing replacement parts. This initiative, discussed at an Officer Executive Decisions meeting on Monday, February 9th, aims to appoint three contractors to undertake this crucial work over a four-year period.

The plan includes the modernisation of 41 priority lifts in the first year alone. The total budget allocated for capital lift works over the four-year framework is £24 million. This investment is vital for ensuring safe and accessible living conditions for residents, particularly for older people and those with mobility issues, who rely heavily on functional lifts. The report highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Hackney Sustainable Community Strategy 2018-2028, the Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2018-2022, and the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2019-2027.

The report detailed that the chosen contractors demonstrated strong commitments to social value outcomes, including sustainability initiatives such as carbon baseline assessments and transitioning to low-emission vehicle fleets. Tenant and leaseholder consultations were also part of the process, aiming to ensure resident needs are met.

Read the full report on the Officer Executive Decisions meeting

£1.6 Million Grant to Tackle Physical Activity Inequalities

Hackney is poised to receive a significant £1.6 million grant from Sport England to address inequalities in physical activity across the borough. This funding builds on previous successful projects and aims to encourage more people, particularly those from groups identified as being less active, to engage in sports and exercise.

The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, which was scheduled to discuss this on Thursday, February 12th, was briefed on the initiative. The grant is part of a wider effort by the Hackney Place Partnership to test innovative, place-based strategies for sustainable, whole-system change within communities. The funding is specifically targeted at older people, disabled people, women, and individuals from Black and Global Majority Communities, who often face greater barriers to participation.

The partnership plans to use the funding to strengthen collaborations with organisations like the City and Hackney Talking Therapies Service, develop hyper-local spaces for activity, invest in community capacity, and improve data collection. This investment is crucial for improving public health outcomes and fostering a more inclusive and active Hackney.

Read the full report on the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission meeting

Dalston Liveable Neighbourhood Proposals Move Forward

Plans to create a Liveable Neighbourhood in Dalston, aimed at reducing traffic, improving air quality, and enhancing safety, are progressing. An Officer Executive Decisions meeting on Friday, February 13th, considered proposals to advertise traffic orders that would implement a series of measures.

These measures include prohibiting certain types of traffic on specific roads, introducing timed pedestrian and cycle zones outside schools (School Streets ), and implementing traffic diverters on residential streets. A 24-hour bus gate is also proposed for Shacklewell Lane. The report detailed extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and market traders, revealing a mixed response to the proposals, with some measures, like School Streets, proving more popular than others.

The scheme is designed to benefit vulnerable groups by improving air quality and road safety, particularly for children and older residents. However, potential negative impacts, such as increased journey times for private vehicle users, were also acknowledged, with mitigations proposed. The first phase of implementation is tentatively planned for June 2026.

Read the full report on the Officer Executive Decisions meeting

Other Matters

• Services for Leaseholders and Shared Owners: The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, which met on Monday, February 9th, reviewed services provided to leaseholders, freeholders, and shared owners. The discussion focused on a draft Homeownership Services Charter, which aims to clarify roles and responsibilities and improve customer service. The report highlighted a 4% rise in homeowner satisfaction following a restructure of the Homeownership Services Team. The commission also received an update on the review of community halls, noting efforts to improve their accessibility and usage. Read the full report on the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission meeting
• Housing Support for Families with SEND: The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission, meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, examined the housing support available to families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The discussion highlighted the severe shortage of suitable social housing and the challenges faced by these families. The commission also received an update on housing support for care leavers. Read the full report on the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission meeting
• Procurement of Vehicle Removals and Car Pound Services: The Hackney Procurement Board, meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, was scheduled to discuss the procurement of vehicle removals and car pound services. This contract is crucial for managing abandoned vehicles and supporting parking enforcement. Read the full report on the Hackney Procurement Board meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 23 February 2026. View meeting details
• Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Monday 23 February 2026. View meeting details
• Audit Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. View meeting details
• Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. View meeting details
• Planning Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 26 February 2026. View meeting details

This week in Hackney:

Council Considers Major Housing Developments Amidst Planning Scrutiny

Hackney Council's Planning Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, February 4th, to deliberate on a series of significant planning applications that could reshape parts of the borough. The committee considered proposals for new residential developments, including the demolition of existing garages and the construction of hundreds of new homes across several sites.

One of the most substantial applications discussed was for the site bounded by Worship Street, Curtain Road, Scrutton Street, and Holywell Row. This ambitious project involves the redevelopment of a large urban block, including the demolition and part-demolition of existing buildings to create an office-led, mixed-use development. The proposal includes six new buildings ranging from six to 18 storeys, a terrace mews, and the refurbishment of existing structures. It aims to deliver office space, retail units, residential units, an Urban Room, and new pedestrian routes. An Environmental Impact Assessment accompanied this application, and the report pack indicated a recommendation to refuse planning permission and listed building consent, subject to referral to the Greater London Authority. This decision could have a significant impact on the character and density of the area.

The committee also reviewed applications for several sites focused on replacing existing garages with new homes. At Buckland Court Garages, Buckland Street, N1 6TY, the demolition of garages was proposed to make way for 45 new residential dwellings, along with amenity space, cycle parking, and public realm improvements. A similar proposal for garages adjacent to Cropley Court, Cavendish Street also sought to build 45 new residential units. At Fellows Court, Weymouth Terrace, E2 8LP, the plan was to demolish existing garages to construct a new 6-storey block with 28 residential units, including child playspace and Blue Badge parking. Another application at Weymouth Court, Weymouth Terrace, E2 8LT proposed a new 5-storey block with 18 residential units, also including amenity space and cycle parking. For these three applications, the report pack indicated recommendations to grant conditional planning permission, subject to legal agreements. These developments are crucial for addressing Hackney's housing needs, but the scale and density of such projects often raise concerns about local infrastructure and community impact.

Additionally, the committee considered the relocation of retail container units at Gillett Square Car Park, Gillett Street, N16 8JH to create a multi-use play and retail space. The report pack recommended granting planning permission for this proposal.

The committee also reviewed delegated decisions made between November 2025 and January 2026, covering a range of smaller planning matters.

Read the full report on the Planning Sub-Committee meeting

Licensing Committee Weighs Late-Night Operations and Public Nuisance

The Licensing Sub-Committee D met on Tuesday, February 3rd, to consider applications for premises licences and variations, with a particular focus on extended operating hours and their potential impact on residents.

A key item was the application for a new premises licence for DNA Bistro at 101 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB. The applicant sought authorisation for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol, with proposed hours extending beyond the council's core hours policy. Both the Environmental Health Authority and the Metropolitan Police raised concerns about public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder, citing the premises' proximity to residential properties and its location within the Dalston Special Policy Area. The Licensing Authority also noted potential impacts on licensing objectives. The applicant proposed various conditions, including capacity limits and CCTV, to mitigate these concerns. The outcome of this decision will affect the late-night economy and the quality of life for nearby residents.

The committee also reviewed a variation to the premises licence for The Baths at 80 Eastway E9 5JH. The application sought to extend operating hours significantly, including until 01:00 on weekdays and 04:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Representations from Environmental Protection highlighted numerous resident complaints about noise and late-night dispersal. The Metropolitan Police also raised concerns about late hours in a residential area and crowd dispersal. Local residents also submitted objections. The potential for increased noise and disruption for residents was a central theme in the representations.

The committee was also scheduled to consider Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for The Kings Land and Perfect Fashion, with objections raised by the Metropolitan Police concerning crime, disorder, and public nuisance. These decisions highlight the delicate balance the council must strike between supporting businesses and protecting residents from potential disturbances.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub-Committee D meeting

Council Approves £5 Million in Housing Upgrades and New Support Frameworks

Hackney Council's Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee met on Monday, February 2nd, making decisions on several key contracts that will impact council housing and support services.

The committee approved the direct award of contracts totalling £5 million for planned internal works to kitchens and bathrooms in council housing. Wates Property Services Limited received a contract worth £3 million, and Chigwell London PLC was awarded a £2 million contract. These contracts, for up to two years with an option to extend, are crucial for addressing urgent housing improvement works and rectifying potential hazards like damp and mould. This directly supports the council's legal obligations as a landlord and its Housing Asset Management Strategy, aiming to improve living conditions for many residents.

The committee also approved the establishment of two frameworks for substance use support services, with an estimated total value of £16 million over four years. These frameworks will allow the council to commission a range of services aimed at reducing the harms of drugs and alcohol and improving outcomes for individuals. This is a vital step in supporting vulnerable residents and addressing public health challenges within the borough.

A single-supplier framework contract for Early Years Catering services was also approved, valued at up to £2.8 million over four years. This service will provide healthy meals to children under five attending Children Centres and Family Hubs, aligning with the Council's public health objectives and a Mayoral manifesto commitment to support young children.

The committee also approved the procurement strategy for construction works for five council housing development projects, part of Hackney's New Homes Programme. These projects are set to deliver approximately 109 new homes, with 101 intended for social rent, addressing the critical need for affordable housing in Hackney.

However, the committee withdrew an item concerning new internal work contracts and the procurement of design and build construction contracts for five council housing development projects, indicating a need for further consideration or revision of these plans.

Read the full report on the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting

Other Matters

• The Constitution Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th, was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

• Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 09 February 2026 to discuss services for leaseholders, freeholders & shared owners and receive an update on community halls. View meeting details
• Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Monday 09 February 2026 to review hearing procedures and Temporary Event Notices. View meeting details
• Hackney Procurement Board will meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026 to discuss the London Accommodation Pathfinder, vehicle removals and car pound services, and the PSS & Optical Fibre Cable Installation and Maintenance Contract. View meeting details
• Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission will meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026 to consider housing support for families with SEND and care leavers, and receive an update on behaviour management in schools. View meeting details
• Licensing Sub Committee C will meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. View meeting details
• Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Thursday 12 February 2026. View meeting details
• Officer Executive Decisions will meet on Friday 13 February 2026. View meeting details