The Planning Sub-Committee of Hackney Council met on Thursday 11 January 2024 to discuss two planning applications and review delegated decisions. The committee granted planning permission for a significant residential extension at 42 Bergholt Crescent, N16, after considerable discussion and consideration of previous applications and resident objections. The application for land to the rear of 64 Middleton Road, E8, was withdrawn from the agenda.

42 Bergholt Crescent, Hackney, London, N16 5JE

The committee granted planning permission for the construction of a single-storey rear extension at ground floor level, a first-floor infill extension, and a rear roof extension, along with the installation of windows in the side elevation and the excavation of a full-depth basement with associated front and rear lightwells. This decision followed a detailed discussion that addressed numerous revisions to the application, including alterations to the site curtilage, lightwell railing, internal layout, roof extension fenestration, and the retention of the front boundary wall and staircase.

During the meeting, local resident Clyde Williams spoke in objection to the application, as did Hackney Ward Councillor Sarah Young, who represented residents of Woodberry Down. In support of the application, Mr Shulem Posen of Eade Planning Ltd and Hackney Ward Councillor Simche Steinberger addressed the committee.

Key points raised during the discussion included:

• The application incorporated elements from previously approved schemes, with revisions made to address concerns raised in earlier applications, such as the height of the ground floor extension and the setback of the roof extension.
• The designated Planning Officer confirmed that the proposed materials would match existing ones, and that the roof extension, while visible, would be set back to minimise its prominence.
• The committee noted that the infill extension had been slightly setback from the rear elevation of the outrigger, a change from a previously approved application, making it subservient to the host building.
• Basement extensions, including the front lightwell, were supported, with previous approvals for similar features on Bergholt Crescent and on this site noted. The Planning Service confirmed that rooms within the basement were not considered habitable and therefore did not have the same stringent light and outlook requirements.
• Standard drainage and groundwater conditions would be imposed to mitigate any potential impacts from the basement works.
• A Daylight and Sunlight Assessment report was submitted, demonstrating no adverse loss of light to neighbouring windows or outdoor amenity spaces, and compliance with BRE guidance.
• Conditions would be attached to ensure the roof extension would not be used as a roof terrace.
• The issue of a party wall, raised by an objector, was noted as being part of a previous application and no longer present on site.

Councillor Sarah Young left the Chamber before the vote. The application was granted planning permission subject to conditions, with five members voting in favour and none against or abstaining.

Land to the rear of 64 Middleton Road, London, E8 4BS

This application was withdrawn from the meeting agenda at the request of the Council's Planning Service.

Delegated Decisions

The Sub-Committee noted the document detailing decisions made by officers under delegated authority.