Policy information sourced from Hackney Local Plan 2033

LP46 Protection and Enhancement of Green Infrastructure

All new development should enhance the network of green infrastructure and water spaces across the Borough and seek to improve access to open space, particularly in areas of deficiency.

The Council will protect and enhance Metropolitan Open Land in accordance with the London Plan and national Green Belt policy.

Development involving the loss of Local Open space or of playing fields will not be permitted unless:

  1. there is compensatory contiguous replacement of better or equivalent quantity and quality of playing fields or public open space and setting including facilities to enhance or diversify people’s experience of the open space; and
  2. replacement is in a location with better or equivalent access by walking, cycling or public transport; and
  3. the quality of the remaining and replacement open space is not eroded by the proposed development.

Development on other open space will only be permitted where:

  1. replacement and/or enhancement of open space of better or equivalent quality is provided either on site or a location within the vicinity of the site, especially in the identified areas of deficiency, and
  2. wherever possible any replacement connects to the network of green infrastructure including the green chains and green corridors, or
  3. it can be shown that the relationship between buildings and associated open space(s) can be improved in terms of use, security, setting and landscape quality.

Small scale ancillary developments which enhance the park and open space offer, such as refreshment facilities, public conveniences, drinking fountains, public art installations or outdoor play and fitness equipment will be permitted provided that they are:

  1. Of a high standard of design and quality, safe and accessible to all; and
  2. Do not have a detrimental impact on nature conservation and biodiversity, and should seek to improve such; and
  3. Do not result in the loss of functional open space where possible; and
  4. Do not detract from the overall function, character and appearance of the park or open space.

Living roofs and Vertical Forests

  1. Living roofs are required on major development schemes that include roof plates of over 100sqm.
  2. Living roofs and vertical forests are encouraged on all development proposals, including minor schemes, renovations, extensions and conversions.
  3. Living Roofs must be high quality and genuinely biodiverse in accordance with the specifications set out in the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).

Allotments and Food Growing

  1. The Council will protect existing allotments and support the provision of new food growing spaces.

Lee Valley Regional Park

  1. Development proposals in proximity to the Lee Valley Regional Park should improve access and links to the park and its waterways.
  2. The Council will work cooperatively with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority to deliver the Lee Valley Park Development Framework Area Proposals and the Lee Valley Biodiversity Action Plan 2017.

For more information please see the Hackney Local Plan 2033