Hackney co-living tower plan faces resident and council objections
A 23-storey co-living development proposed for Homerton High Street has drawn hundreds of objections over its height and traffic impact.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA proposal to construct a 23-storey co-living tower and an adjacent eight-storey block containing social rent flats on Homerton High Street has generated widespread opposition. The development, put forward by Re:shape, aims to redevelop a site currently occupied by decaying industrial buildings, a workshop garage, and a mosque.
Development Details and Resident Concerns
The plans include a 385-ensuite room co-living tower designed for single occupants who would share communal facilities. Alongside this, an eight-storey building is proposed to provide 66 self-contained flats, all designated for social rent. The developer states the existing structures have 'failed to contribute positively to the local street scene'.
However, hundreds of residents have voiced objections, primarily focusing on the proposed tower's height, which they describe as 'disproportionately tall'. A petition signed by nearly 400 people urges Hackney Council to limit the development to a maximum of 14 storeys. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased traffic congestion on Homerton High Street, which residents describe as already 'gridlocked'.
Council Planners' Reservations
Hackney Council's own planners have also expressed reservations about the scheme. Their concerns include the necessity of demolishing a community space and the overall scale of the proposed buildings. Heritage officers have noted that the tower's height could compete with the skyline of the nearby Grade II listed St Barnabas Church.
The developer, Re:shape, has previously undertaken projects including the Woolwich Electric Works regeneration and a co-living scheme in Tower Hamlets. They propose to include 650 sqm of commercial workspace, with units offered at a minimum of 50 per cent below open-market rates to support local small and medium-sized businesses.
Next Steps
The plans are scheduled to be presented to Hackney's planning committee for a decision at a future date. The council had previously resolved to grant permission for a different scheme on the site in 2020, but this was never implemented.
Questions this report answers
01What is being proposed for Homerton High Street?
Plans propose a 23-storey co-living tower with 385 rooms and an adjacent eight-storey block with 66 flats for social rent. The development would redevelop existing industrial blocks, a garage, and a mosque.
02Why have residents objected to the development?
Hundreds of residents have objected due to the proposed tower's height, which they feel is too tall for the area. They are also concerned about a potential increase in traffic congestion on Homerton High Street.
03What concerns have Hackney Council planners raised?
Hackney Council planners have expressed concerns about the scale of the proposed buildings. They also note the need to demolish a community space and have considered the impact on the skyline near St Barnabas Church.
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