Sapling House, 103 Worship Street, Hackney, London, EC2A 2DF

Change of use of the upper floors of 103 Worship Street from Use Class E (Commercial, Business and Service) and Class D1 (Pilates/Studio) to Use Class C3 (Dwellinghouse) for the creation of 4 no. residential units. Retention of commercial use at ground floor level. External alterations to rear windows

Authority: London Borough of Hackney
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Philpott M

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the proposed development and works would preserve the listed building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses, and preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Area
Whether the proposed development would provide a satisfactory standard of living accommodation in respect of internal space and privacy
The effect of the proposed development on the operations of nearby commercial venues, with regard to noise and disturbance
Whether the proposed development would provide satisfactory waste and cycle storage arrangements
The effect of the proposed development on the functions of the Central Activity Zone (CAZ) and Priority Office Areas (POAs)
The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties, with regard to privacy
Whether the proposed development should be supported by, and if so the effect of, planning obligations relating to affordable housing, carbon mitigation and car-free housing

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the listed building's special interest and significance, which must carry great weight, was not outweighed by the modest public benefits of the scheme.

Framework references: 200, 205, 208, 57

Plan policies cited: London Plan Policy HC1, London Plan Policy D6, London Plan Policy D13, London Plan Policy T5, London Plan Policy T6, London Plan Policy SD4, London Plan Policy SD5, London Plan Policy E1, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP3, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP2, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP17, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP19, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP26, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP27, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP42, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP45, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP55, Hackney Local Plan Policy LP57, London Plan Policy H4, London Plan Policy SI2

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.