The Planning Sub-Committee of Hackney Council met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, considering three planning applications. The committee granted conditional planning permission for developments at 25 Amhurst Park and Sheraton House, 118 Curtain Road, while deferring a decision on the Wayman Court Car Park application to allow for further information to be gathered.

Wayman Court Car Park, Eleanor Road, E8 1DN

The committee deferred a decision on the application for the demolition of existing garages and the construction of 22 new residential dwellings at Wayman Court Car Park. This deferral was requested to allow for further consideration of matters relating to the proposed design and building heights, garden and communal space, and the balance between housing provision and the impact on existing residents. The application will be brought back to the committee at a later date with responses to the raised issues. During the discussion, objectors raised concerns about consultation, scale, design, and the impact on neighbouring residents. Applicant representatives explained engagement efforts and design revisions. Officers clarified that the application should be assessed on its planning merits, noting the proposal exceeded affordable housing requirements. Members expressed concerns about height, massing, and appearance, while officers considered the design and materials appropriate. Questions were also raised regarding housing tenure, accessibility, and cycle storage. Concerns about communal open space, loss of privacy, and daylight were acknowledged, with a contribution towards off-site open space improvements to be secured. Daylight and sunlight assessments were presented, indicating acceptable impacts. The committee voted to defer the application, with the motion to grant planning permission not being carried.

25 Amhurst Park

Conditional planning permission was granted for the use of the ground and part-first floors as a synagogue, along with the erection of extensions and the installation of PV panels. During the discussion, members sought clarification on the Alternative Sites Assessment, particularly the criteria used and the geographical area considered. The applicant explained the assessment methodology and the difficulties in finding suitable alternative premises. Concerns were raised about the lack of step-free access and accessible toilet facilities, which officers acknowledged were limitations of the existing building. Reassurance was sought regarding noise and disturbance to neighbours, with officers confirming that noise assessment had been considered and a condition would require appropriate insulation measures. The emerging Stamford Hill Area Action Plan was noted to carry weight in its current draft stage, and the proposal was considered compliant with the adopted Local Plan.

Sheraton House, 118 Curtain Road

Conditional planning permission was granted for the variation of condition 4, relating to hours of operation, attached to a previous temporary permission for the use of the building as an arts, event, and exhibition space. The amendment sought to extend the hours of operation to 09:00 to 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Members questioned the applicant on the reasons for seeking a variation to the temporary permission rather than a permanent change of use, with the applicant explaining constraints related to the site's protected office designation. Clarification was sought on objections received, particularly concerning noise and disturbance, and the management of visitors. The applicant explained that an updated operational management plan was in place to strengthen measures for security, crowd management, litter, and dispersal. Officers confirmed that the proposed management arrangements were sufficient to address concerns and would be secured as part of the planning permission.

The meeting also noted delegated decisions. Councillor George Sheldon Grün chaired the meeting, with Councillor Brenda Puech noted as Chair in the minutes. Councillor Kwame Otiende attended online but was unable to vote.