Tech City risks being “torn apart” by government regulations, according to Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe.
He suggested “misguided” planning policies would stop growth in its tracks, turning the borough into a “dormitory village full of luxury apartments that do nothing to tackle the affordable housing crisis.”
He has been joined by London Assembly members and councillors in support of a campaign started by the area’s technology companies.
This follows a warning last week by business leaders that the planning legislation would spell the end of the Old Street technology cluster “in the next five years.”
The council have demanded the right to opt out of the proposed Changes in Permitted Development Rights, which would mean that landowners would not need planning permission to change office space into homes.
The purpose of the proposals is to help plug the gap in affordable housing, while tackling the number of empty high street shops.
Pipe said: “This government policy could see the creative cluster being torn apart, almost as soon as it has put down roots, and could have a huge impact on local jobs and opportunities, as well as on the character of the area.”
Jennette Arnold, Chair of the London Assembly, has also thrown her weight behind the efforts, lobbying local government secretary Eric Pickles. Speaking to the Hackney Post she said: “Affordable workspace is one of the crucial issues facing the whole tech city project and it’s vital that there is spare capacity for new firms to locate in what is currently a thriving area for technology and creative firms.”
In a letter to Pickles, obtained by the Hackney Post, she wrote: ‘Many of our business locations would be adversely affected by this policy as the area is coveted as a residential location. This could put local firms at risk and may potentially lead to forced relocation and loss of jobs for local people in an area where unemployment is already high.’
A number of Hackney councillors, including Phillip Glanville have also offered their support on Twitter.
An online petition set up by Shoreditch Works, a company that offers working space and support to growing technology startups, has so far reached 130 supporters.
Responding to concerns a spokesman from the Department for Communities and Local Government said: “These changes are about cutting red-tape and ensuring that previously developed plots of land and existing buildings are put to the best possible use.
“In the majority of cases it makes complete sense for underused and empty properties to be converted and provide the housing we urgently need. Using existing buildings in this way will be of huge benefit to local communities, support high streets and encourage urban regeneration.
“Exemptions will only be granted in very exceptional cases, where such changes are not appropriate.”
