Hoxton’s rich history will be “preserved and enhanced” as plans for an expansion of the Underwood Street Conservation Area have been unanimously approved by Hackney Council this week.
According to a council review, the area shows an even deeper history, as it “still reflects the medieval field and path pattern” from as early as 1068.
The Eagle tavern in the conservation area is mentioned in popular nursery rhyme ‘Pop goes the Weasel’, reflecting the fact that it was “one of the most important and popular music halls in London” in the 1700s.
The expansion of the conservation area will allow for more buildings to be granted its benefits and enjoy greater protection. The plan seeks to preserve the area’s unusually tall buildings which give it a ‘canyon-like appearance’, the historic cast iron pavement lights and the original boundary walls, arched gateways and pillars of Nile Street.
The Hackney Council Planning service said that “more stringent” planning permission would be required to build in the area. This is to ensure that new constructions in the area will “preserve or enhance” the history of the street.
Deputy Mayor Nicholson explained how the changes would ensure a “quality of development and design”.
Mayor Caroline Woodley made it clear that these changes will allow the council to “recognise the heritage of the area, whilst also developing the spaces to the benefit of the communities”.
