Hackney Refuses Englefield’s 10-Year Storage at Southgate Road

Key Points

• Hackney Council has refused a proposal for temporary storage and welfare facilities at a yard behind 58-64 Southgate Road in Hackney.
• The application, reference 2025/2413, was submitted by Firstplan on behalf of the Englefield Estate Trust for full planning permission.​
• Plans included installation of storage containers, staff welfare facilities, solar panels, and replacement of entrance gates for a 10-year period.​
• The site, previously used by The Scooter Den for storage, has been vacant since April 2024, with access via a roller shutter entrance between 62 and 64 Southgate Road.​
• Proposed gross internal floor area: 303.7 square metres, comprising 278 sqm for B8 storage/distribution and 25.7 sqm for E(g)(iii) industrial processes.​
• Estimated project cost up to £2 million; first phase work scheduled for March-April 2026.​
• No residential housing, non-residential units with full-fibre internet, additional gas, or water connections planned.​
• Refusal decided on 16 January 2026 at delegated level, based on reports and local planning policy, not a public meeting.
• The yard is positioned behind properties, aimed for temporary use as per submitted documents.​

Hackney, London (East London Times) January 27, 2026 – Hackney Council has rejected plans for a 10-year temporary storage facility at a vacant yard behind 58-64 Southgate Road, thwarting proposals that included containers for self-storage, welfare facilities, solar panels, and new entrance gates. The decision, made at a delegated level on 16 January 2026, underscores the authority’s strict adherence to local planning policies amid ongoing scrutiny of industrial developments in the borough. Submitted by Firstplan on behalf of the Englefield Estate Trust under reference 2025/2413, the full planning permission application sought to revive a site dormant since April 2024.

What Were the Exact Details of the Proposed Development?

The proposal outlined the temporary installation of storage containers and staff welfare facilities on the yard space for a decade, as detailed in the submitted documents. According to reports from local coverage, the plans also encompassed fitting solar panels and replacing the existing entrance gates with associated works. The gross internal floor area was set at 303.7 square metres, broken down into 278 square metres for B8 use class (storage or distribution) and 25.7 square metres for E(g)(iii) (industrial processes).​

No domestic housing projects were included in the application, nor were any additional non-residential units requiring full-fibre internet connections. Furthermore, the development did not plan for new gas or water connections, keeping infrastructure changes minimal.

The projected cost for the works was estimated at up to £2 million, with the first phase of commencement and completion targeted between March and April 2026.​

As covered in initial reporting, the aim was explicitly for “temporary” use of the yard space on a “borrowed time” basis, leveraging the site’s prior use by The Scooter Den for storage. Access to the site remains via a roller shutter entrance positioned between numbers 62 and 64 Southgate Road, hidden behind the frontage properties.

Why Has Hackney Council Refused the Application?

Hackney Council decided to refuse the application on 16 January 2026, as confirmed across multiple sources tracking the outcome. The refusal was processed at a delegated level, indicating it was determined by council officers based on detailed reports and alignment with local planning policy, rather than escalation to a public council meeting. This delegated approach allows for efficient handling of applications without broader debate when policies clearly apply.

While specific refusal reasons were not detailed in the available coverage, the decision reflects Hackney’s broader planning framework, which prioritises developments fitting neighbourhood character and avoiding prolonged temporary structures. The 10-year timeframe, despite being labelled temporary, likely raised concerns over long-term impacts on the residential area surrounding Southgate Road. Council’s planning register emphasises rigorous scrutiny, and this case aligns with patterns seen in other recent refusals for similar industrial proposals.

Who Submitted the Planning Application and on Whose Behalf?

The application was lodged by Firstplan, acting on behalf of the Englefield Estate Trust, as stated in the official submission details. Firstplan, known for handling planning matters in the region, presented the case for full planning permission under reference 2025/2413. The Englefield Estate Trust, the landowner, sought to activate the vacant yard for storage purposes following its disuse.​

No direct quotes from Firstplan or the Trust were attributed in the primary reports, but the documents underscored the temporary nature to justify the proposal. This attribution ensures clarity on the parties involved, with the Englefield Estate positioned as the beneficiary of any approval.​

What Is the Site’s History and Location?

The yard behind 58-64 Southgate Road in Hackney was previously utilised by The Scooter Den for storage activities. It has lain vacant since April 2024, prompting the submission for reactivation. Positioned discreetly behind the properties, the site features access through a roller shutter entrance between 62 and 64 Southgate Road, minimising visibility from the main road.​

Hackney’s planning context often weighs such sites against residential pressures, as seen in council documents referencing nearby developments. The location in a mixed-use area amplifies the need for proposals to align with local plans, which this one evidently did not.

What Does This Refusal Mean for Future Plans at the Site?

The delegated refusal closes the current application without prejudice to resubmission, but signals challenges for similar proposals. Developers may need to amend plans—perhaps shortening the timeframe or altering scale—to comply with policies.

The site’s vacancy persists, potentially impacting local land use efficiency in Hackney’s competitive property market.

Broader implications include reinforced council stance on temporary industrial uses, amid borough-wide efforts to balance storage needs with community priorities. No appeal details have emerged yet, but delegated decisions can be challenged, though success rates vary.

How Does This Fit into Hackney’s Planning Landscape?

Hackney Council maintains a robust planning register for public scrutiny, with recent transfers of powers from bodies like the LLDC enhancing local control. Delegated decisions like this one expedite routine cases, reserving committees for contentious matters. The borough’s Local Plan, under review, emphasises sustainable developments fitting spatial strategies up to 2033.

Similar refusals, such as those for extensions or changes of use, highlight patterns where overdevelopment or poor fit leads to rejection. Storage facilities face particular hurdles in residential zones, as evidenced by this case and others denying HMOs or infills.

What Are the Next Steps for Applicants?

Applicants like Firstplan can review the refusal notice—typically detailing policy breaches—and submit revisions. Appeals to the Planning Inspectorate are possible within six months, though delegated refusals often stem from clear non-compliance. Public consultation via the council’s portal remains open for future bids.

Engaging pre-application advice from Hackney planners could refine proposals, incorporating feedback on solar integration or welfare minimisation. Monitoring the site through Landcycle or council updates tracks progress.

Why Is the Delegated Decision Process Important?

Delegated decisions enable swift resolutions based on officer expertise and policy, avoiding unnecessary committee burdens. In this instance, it ensured the 2025/2413 application was assessed promptly against Hackney’s frameworks. Transparency is upheld via public registers, fostering trust.

This method contrasts with sub-committee referrals for major or objected schemes, as outlined in council protocols. It streamlines borough planning amid high volumes.​

In covering this story as a journalist with over a decade in news reporting, the refusal exemplifies Hackney’s vigilant approach to land stewardship. The Englefield Estate Trust and Firstplan now face recalibrating amid policy rigours. Local residents and businesses watch as the yard’s future hangs in balance, vacant since The Scooter Den’s departure. Full details remain accessible via Hackney’s planning portal, underscoring open governance.