The Hackney Council Planning Sub-Committee met on 5 November 2025, where they discussed and refused planning permission for two applications relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) at 9 Clifden Road and 12 Blurton Road. The committee also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and noted a document detailing delegated decisions made during a specified period.

HMO Planning Applications Refused

The Planning Sub-Committee refused two planning applications for the change of use to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) due to concerns about the quality of accommodation.

9 Clifden Road, E5 0LL

The Planning Sub-Committee refused application 2025/0760 for the change of use from a 6-bed HMO (Class C4¹) to a 7-bed HMO (Sui-Generis²). The committee voted against the officer's recommendation to grant planning permission, with six members against and one abstaining. Councillor Jon Narcross, Vice-Chair of the Planning Sub-Committee, proposed a motion to refuse the proposal, which was seconded by Councillor Clare Potter.

The primary reason for refusal was the sub-standard quality of accommodation, which the committee felt would be detrimental to the living conditions of future occupiers. This was considered to be in conflict with policies LP1 and LP22 of the Hackney Local Plan 2033 (2020).

12 Blurton Road, Hackney, London E5 0NL

The Planning Sub-Committee refused application 2025/0840 for the use of the property as a 9-bedroom, 9-person large HMO (Use Class Sui Generis) with a mansard roof extension (part retrospective) and the provision of cycle and refuse storage.

Six Planning Sub-Committee members voted against the officer's recommendation, with one abstention. Councillor Ali Sadek proposed a motion to refuse the proposal, which was seconded by Councillor Jon Narcross.

The reasons for refusal were the same as for 9 Clifden Road: the sub-standard quality of accommodation proposed would be detrimental to the living conditions of future occupiers, conflicting with policies LP1 and LP22 of the Hackney Local Plan 2033 (2020).

Delegated Decisions Noted

The Planning Sub-Committee noted the delegated decisions document for the period 26 September 2025 to 23 October 2025. The Delegated Decisions by Ward 26-09-2025 to 23-10-2025 document lists planning decisions made by officers under delegated powers.

Some of the delegated decisions included:

• 142 Southgate Road, N1 3HX: Full planning permission for the demolition of an existing single-storey extension and erection of a new single-storey ground floor rear extension; erection of an outbuilding; new rear windows at ground and first floor, two new rooflights; new front brick piers and gate. Granted with extra conditions.
• 17 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BH: Full planning permission for the retrospective installation of external removable seating associated with existing restaurant and erection of fixed pergola structure with retractable roof. Refused.
• 86 Murray Grove, N1 7QJ: Full planning permission for the use of premises as a restaurant and takeaway (Use Class Sui Generis) and replacement of existing extraction system and installation of an odour and pollution control extraction ducting system. Refused.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting Approved

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 8 October 2025, were agreed as an accurate record of the proceedings. The Draft 08.10.25 Planning meeting minutes v3.docx 2 document was approved.