Draft commercial extensions and alterations supplementary planning document (SPD)

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

Find out more about the draft SPD and what happens next.

About the draft SPD

The commercial extensions and alterations SPD will replace the existing shop from design guidance dated 2006. It supports the draft policies in Hackney’s Local Plan.

This SPD will guide how shops, offices, and other commercial buildings can be extended or altered. It supports good design, accessibility and the liveliness of Hackney’s high streets and local centres.

It gives guidance on:

• extensions and alterations to commercial buildings
• treatment of plant and equipment
• how to make buildings more accessible
• shopfront design guidance
• alterations to shopfronts following a change of use
• advertisements

Draft SPD and supporting documents

View the draft commercial extension and alterations SPD and supporting documents:

• draft commercial extension and alterations supplementary planning document (PDF 4mb)
• draft commercial extension 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 commercial 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 commercial extensions and alterations SPD at the same time as the:

• draft residential extensions and alterations SPD
• draft retrofit SPD

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