Give feedback on the draft commercial extensions and alterations supplementary planning document (SPD)
Have your say on how commercial buildings in Hackney can change in the future.
We’re consulting on a new draft planning guidance document – the draft commercial extensions and alterations supplementary planning document (SPD).
The public consultation on the document is now open. It will close on 26 October 2025.
Find out more about the draft SPD and how you can have your say.
About the draft SPD
The commercial extensions and alterations SPD will replace the existing shop from design guidance dated 2006. It supports the draft policies in Hackney’s Local Plan.
This SPD will guide how shops, offices, and other commercial buildings can be extended or altered. It supports good design, accessibility and the liveliness of Hackney’s high streets and local centres.
It gives guidance on:
- extensions and alterations to commercial buildings
- treatment of plant and equipment
- how to make buildings more accessible
- shopfront design guidance
- alterations to shopfronts following a change of use
- advertisements
Draft SPD and supporting documents
View the draft commercial extension and alterations SPD and supporting documents:
- draft commercial extension and alterations supplementary planning document (PDF 4mb)
- draft commercial extension and alterations supplementary planning document (Google Doc)
- information pack (PDF 1.7mb)
- flyer (PDF 2.8mb)
Have your say on the draft SPD
To have your say on the draft commercial extensions and alterations SPD, complete our online questionnaire on the Hackney consultation website.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 26 October.
You can also pick up a paper copy of the questionnaire and view a paper copy of the draft SPD at:
- Stamford Hill Library
- Dalston Library
- Homerton Library
- Clapton Library
- Shoreditch Library
If you do not want to complete the questionnaire you can email your comments to planmaking@hackney.gov.uk.
Come to an in-person information session
We’re holding in-person information sessions, where you can ask questions about the draft planning guidance. Anyone can come along and you don’t have to pay.
These are taking place at:
- Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, E8 3BQ on Saturday 27 September at 11am to 1:30pm
- Stamford Hill Library, Portland Avenue, N16 6SB on Monday 29 September at 5pm to 7.30pm
- Homerton Library, Homerton High St, London E9 6AS on Thursday 2 October at 5pm to 7.30pm
Join an online information session
We’re also holding an online information session on Tuesday 30 September at 6pm to 7pm.
We will give a short presentation, then there will be time for questions.
Register for free on Eventbrite to join the session.
What happens next
When the consultation closes we will review all responses and use them to update the final version of the SPD.
Timeline
| Stages | Dates |
| Preparation of draft commercial extensions and alterations SPD | Completed |
| Consultation on the draft commercial extensions and alterations SPD | 15 September 2025 to 26 October 2025 |
| Review feedback received and update the final commercial extensions and alterations SPD | October to November 2025 |
| Adoption of the commercial extensions and alterations SPD | December 2025 |
See our Local Development Scheme 2025 to 2028 (PDF 444kb). It shows the planning policy documents and when they will be created or reviewed.
Other SPDs we’re consulting on
We’re consulting on the draft residential extensions and alterations SPD at the same time as the:
If you would like more information, have questions or want to request to view paper copies of the documents, email planmaking@hackney.gov.uk.