Businesses are at risk of being forced to relocate due to new housing proposals, according to Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe.
In response to the plans led by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, Hackney Council is calling on businesses to get involved with the online consultation (open until 11:45pm on Friday) and sign a petition.
The proposed plan would give greater powers to developers to change commercial properties, such as office space into residential without the Council or businesses being consulted.
Second time unlucky?
The new plans come a year after similar rules outlined by the Department for Communities and Local Government were proposed in the area.
Hackney council was one of only 17 local authorities to be exempt from the plans after a hard-fought campaign.
It was believed that East London’s tech scene would be particularly affected by changes.
‘Badly needed homes’
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis told Tech City News the proposal would bring “badly needed homes such as studios and one-bedroom flats for young people”.
She added that it was “disappointing that the council is opposing more homes for local people”.
However, Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe believes the changes to commercial spaces would “convert them into unaffordable residential spaces that will not help to house local people”.
Businesses and startups can see the consultation and more information here and if they wish to do so can sign the petition here.