Colvestone School open space again under threat from re-development

A planning application for a proposed development, extending across the southern boundary of the former Colvestone School's nursery playground, is shortly to be decided . The site has had a contentious history - with three previous applications to erect a three-storey building having been contested and defeated since 2015. 

You can read about the history here . Public consultation officially closes on 12 January and you can make representations to Hackney about this planning application here . After that date you can email planning@hackney.gov.uk with reference 2025/2520 in the subject line.   Sufficient numbers of objections should mean the application goes to the full Planning Committee for decision. Numbers count and simply saying "I object to this development" would do for that purpose.  

An artist's CGI image of the proposed new development to be faced in clay tiles of various colours. The architect describes the design as a "modern interpretation of Victorian Suburban Eclecticism of the 1860s, during which Colvestone Primary School was built" and says it could become "a modest architectural gem" and a "local landmark". The local Dalston Conservation Area Advisory Committee have described the design as over-elaborate and the tiled finish as potentially too fragile to withstand the robust activities of Ridley Road street market.

The current application is for a  2-story building intended soley for commercial and not residential use.  This image above is of the proposed new building, viewed from the south-west. It will be over 6 metres high and its rear wall will dominate the outlook from the former school, and its adjoining open space, blocking out much of the sky and creating a strong sense of enclosure. 

As with the previous 3-storey proposals, the structure will obstruct sunlight reaching the open space which is already partially overshadowed by surrounding walls. The blue area indicates the additional shadow created at 1pm on 21 March - the Spring Equinox which represents the average overshadowing over the year. 

The blue area indicates the additional shadow created at 11am on 21 December -  the winter solstice. There will be virtually no direct sunlight in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky.

The developer argues that the open space is no longer a sensitive area because the school has closed. However the Council is currently considering proposals for future uses of the school and the open space  is likely to continue to be used as an outdoor amenity.

Both the open space, and the school building, are listed as Assets of Community Value.  The development will damage the community's interest.

You can  make representations to Hackney about the planning application here . Public consultation officially closes on 12 January but you can still email planning@hackney.gov.uk with reference 2025/2520 in the subject line. Sufficient numbers of objections should mean the application goes to the full Planning Committee for decision. Numbers count and simply saying "I object to this planning application" would do for that purpose.