The Planning Sub-Committee of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026 to consider two planning applications. The meeting was scheduled to discuss proposals for a new school building and the change of use and extension of a residential property for use as a synagogue.

Beis Malka Girls School, 93 Alkham Road, Hackney, London, N16 6XD

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the demolition of existing school buildings and the construction of a new 4-form entry secondary school. This would involve a part single-storey, part four-storey school building with a basement hall and rooftop play area, alongside the refurbishment and extension of an existing school building to provide administrative offices and a playgroup. The report pack indicated that the recommendation was to grant conditional planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

The application detailed extensive analysis of various planning considerations, including:

• Site Context: The site is an independent Jewish girls' school located on a 0.32-hectare plot, currently housing modular portacabin buildings. It is bordered by Alkham Road, Lampard Grove, Windus Road, and Margaret Road. The surrounding area is primarily residential, with community halls and centres nearby. The site is not within a conservation area but is adjacent to two locally listed buildings: the Talmud Torah Chaim Meirim Wiznitz School and a three-storey Victorian house. The site has good public transport links and is at low risk of flooding.
• Conservation and Heritage: The proposal was assessed for its impact on the setting of the locally listed buildings at 26 and 28 Lampard Grove. The report concluded that the proposed redevelopment would not cause harm to the significance or setting of these assets.
• Design: The proposed development was reviewed against London Plan policies D3, D5, and D8, and Hackney Local Plan Policy LP1. Revisions to the roof form, introduction of lightwells, and improved layout were noted as having addressed previous design concerns.
• Archaeology: Given the site's proximity to areas of archaeological interest, a two-stage archaeological condition was recommended to safeguard potential remains.
• Neighbour Amenity: The report detailed the potential impacts on neighbouring properties, including Windus Road, Alkham Road, Margaret Road, and Lampard Grove, in terms of daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy, and noise. A condition was recommended to mitigate noise from the rooftop playground.
• Highways and Transport: The proposal was assessed for its impact on traffic and transport. The report indicated that the new school would cater for up to 400 pupils and 30 staff, with a focus on sustainable travel modes. The site was proposed to be car-free, with provision for disabled parking and secure cycle storage. A Construction Management Plan and Travel Plan were to be secured.
• Waste and Recycling: The development included a secured refuse storage area, deemed sufficient for the school's needs and appropriately located for collection.
• Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity: The proposal included landscaping, a forest garden, green roofs, and PV panels. Conditions were recommended to ensure the implementation of a detailed planting plan, habitat management plan, and biosolar roof specifications. Bird and bat boxes were also to be incorporated.
• Sustainability: The development aimed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, with proposed measures exceeding minimum requirements. Conditions were recommended to ensure compliance with energy statements, air tightness, heat and hot water systems, solar PVs, ventilation, and active cooling systems. A BREEAM 'Excellent' rating was targeted.
• Flood Risk and Drainage: The site was identified as being at high risk of surface water flooding. The proposal included a drainage strategy with green roofs, permeable paving, and an attenuation tank. Conditions were recommended for flood resilient construction and the implementation of the sustainable drainage system.
• Crime and Fire Safety: The proposal was to achieve 'Secured by Design' accreditation, and fire safety assessments were to be included.
• Planning Obligations: A Section 106 agreement was proposed to secure contributions towards highways and transportation, employment and training, and sustainability initiatives, including carbon offset payments.

25 Amhurst Park, Hackney, London, N16 5DJ

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the change of use of the ground and part-first floors to a synagogue (Use Class F1(f)), along with the erection of a part single-storey side and rear wrap-around extension and a part two-storey rear extension. The report indicated a recommendation to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.

The key aspects of this application included:

• Principle of Development and Land Use: The proposal involved the loss of five residential units to accommodate a synagogue for the Shtibel Gur congregation. An Alternative Sites Assessment was submitted to justify this loss, arguing that there were no viable non-residential alternatives within the congregation's strict walking catchment area. The report concluded that the loss of housing was robustly justified due to the pressing need for a permanent place of worship for this growing community.
• Design and Character: The extensions were significantly reduced in scale compared to a previous refused application. The single-storey extension would have a pitched roof profile, and the two-storey element would be subordinate to the host building. The material palette was to match the existing Victorian villa.
• Residential Amenity: The proposal was assessed for its impact on neighbouring properties at 27 Amhurst Park and 1C West Bank. The reduced scale of the extensions and the relocation of the women's entrance were intended to mitigate concerns regarding enclosure, noise, and disturbance. Conditions were recommended to manage noise from the women's entrance and gallery space, and for noise insulation.
• Access and Transport Considerations: The site has excellent public transport accessibility. The proposal aimed to be car-free, with provision for one disabled parking space. Cycle parking and a Travel Plan were to be secured. A Construction Management Plan was also to be conditioned.
• Waste Management: Separate refuse and recycling stores were proposed for the residential units and the synagogue, considered acceptable in principle.
• Biodiversity: The proposal included swift nestboxes and a hedgehog highway. A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan were to be secured by condition, along with details for a biodiverse green roof.
• Sustainability: The development aimed to reduce carbon emissions through building fabric improvements and a VRF heat pump system. PV panels were proposed, and a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating was targeted. An overheating risk assessment was to be secured by condition.
• Flooding and Drainage: The site had a low risk of surface water flooding. The proposal included green water harvesting and below-ground attenuation, which were considered acceptable.
• Planning Obligations: A legal agreement was proposed to secure a carbon offset payment, a Travel Plan and monitoring fee, and a car-free development commitment.

The meeting also included a section on Delegated Decisions, which would have covered planning decisions made by officers under delegated authority.