Hackney Council has officially approved plans for 136 new homes across four existing council estates in the borough, with the majority designated for social rent. This significant development marks a crucial step toward the council's ambitious housebuilding targets for the year.
Majority of New Homes at Social Rent
The Labour-run council granted approval this week for the construction of 136 new properties in Hoxton and Haggerston. Of these, 104 will be available at social rent, representing a substantial commitment to affordable housing in the area. The council is nearing its goal of having 1,000 social homes in various stages of delivery by 2026.
Construction on Four Existing Estates
All new homes will be built on four existing council estates: Cropley Court, Buckland Court, Weymouth Court, and Fellows Court. Notably, tenants and leaseholders in Fellows Court have previously raised concerns about disrepair in their current homes, highlighting ongoing housing challenges in the borough.
While no official start date has been confirmed, council reports indicate that construction is scheduled to begin in the spring. Mayor Caroline Woodley stated that this would bring the total number of social rent homes with construction underway to 972.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
This development follows a 2022 pledge by former Mayor Philip Glanville that the council would begin work on 1,000 new social rent homes by 2026. Mayor Woodley has maintained this commitment despite significant challenges in the housing sector.
Data released in January 2026 revealed that housebuilding starts in London have fallen by 84 percent since 2015, despite the capital's chronic housing shortage. Several construction projects in Hackney, including Lincoln Court, have stalled due to spiraling construction costs.
Latest Housing Initiative
The approval of these 136 homes comes after the council announced in January that it had secured funding for 400 new homes across the borough, with at least three-quarters designated for social rent. This demonstrates a continued focus on addressing the affordable housing crisis in Hackney.
Special Powers Invoked to Protect Development
To ensure the timely delivery of these homes, the council invoked special powers on Monday, March 23, to shield the developments from potential legal action. Under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, councils can block residents from using injunctions to slow or halt projects that might impinge on private property rights, such as loss of daylight.
The council's stated aim is to mitigate the significant financial risk associated with legal claims. The local authority argues that severe delays resulting from legal action would threaten the future of these developments, which depend on time-critical funding.
Compensation Provisions
Residents who stand to lose private property entitlements will still be able to claim compensation. The council has budgeted for these potential claims, which it expects will be minimal. This approach balances the need for housing development with protection for affected residents.
This development represents a crucial step in Hackney's efforts to address housing shortages while navigating complex legal and financial challenges in the current construction environment.
