Draft residential extensions and alterations supplementary planning document (SPD)

We consulted on a new draft planning guidance document – the residential extensions and alterations supplementary planning document (SPD).

Find out more about the draft SPD and what will happen next.

About the draft SPD

The residential extensions and alterations SPD will replace the existing residential extensions and alterations SPD, dated 2009. It supports the draft policies in Hackney’s Local Plan.

This SPD will guide how homes in Hackney can be extended or altered. It will help residents, architects and developers design improvements that reflect the local area and support sustainability.

It gives guidance on:

• design guidelines for extensions
• roof extensions and alterations
• basements
• front garden and walls in front gardens
• outbuildings
• plants and equipment
• how to make residential properties more accessible

Draft SPD and supporting documents

View the draft residential extensions and alterations SPD and supporting documents:

• draft residential extensions and alterations supplementary planning document (PDF 8.9mb)
• draft residential extensions and alterations supplementary planning document (Google Doc)
• information pack (PDF 1.7mb)
• flyer (PDF 2.8mb)

What happens next

From 15 September to 26 October 2025, we held a public consultation on the draft residential extensions and alterations SPD to gather public feedback.

We’re now reviewing the responses and will use the findings to update the final version of the SPD.

Timeline

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 consulted on

We consulted on the draft residential extensions and alterations SPD at the same time as the:

• draft commercial extensions and alterations SPD
• draft retrofit SPD

If you would like more information or have any questions, email planmaking@hackney.gov.uk.