Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question you would like answered on the Dalston Junction proposals please get in touch.
- Why does Dalston need more housing?
There is a lack of housing in Hackney, with just under 8,000 people on Hackney’s Housing waiting list (ODPM Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix 2005/5).
In addition to this existing backog, the Mayor of London’s official London Plan calls for Hackney to find room for an additional 14,310 new homes to be built in the Borough by 2016.
- Is this the best site for new housing in Dalston?
Hackney’s Council’s Dalston Area Action Plan recognises the Dalston Junction site as a key location that can help drive the regeneration of the area by extending the town centre southwards.
National, regional and local policy all call for new homes to be built close to transport hubs, with easy access to public transport to help reduce reliance on cars. The proposed Dalston Junction development won’t just be built over the new East London Line station but will also be next door to a new bus interchange.
- Why is a tall building proposed for the site?
The three options outlined in the Dalston Area Action Plan all identify the site as being suitable location for a tall building, this follows on from Hackney Council’s Tall Building Strategy and the Greater London Authority’s London Plan.
- Will the development just be new homes?
The development will include high quality new homes, but also combine this with new shops at ground level and a space for community facilities. This is all in addition to a new underground station and bus interchange that will give Dalston an unprecedented level of new public transport services.
- How many homes?
There will be 309 new homes built as part of the new Dalston Junction development.
- Why are there no affordable homes proposed?
In order to regenerate the currently derelict site, TfL will have to build a giant reinforced ‘slab’ over the new East London Line station. This major piece of engineering work is not required for the rail link and will add some £39 million in additional cost. TfL have already committed to covering £10million of the cost directly themselves and have secured a £10million ODPM Community Investment Fund grant, however the remaining costs will have to be met by the scheme itself. As such there is no way that the scheme can also provide the additional public subsidy necessary to pay for affordable housing.
- What does government policy say about this?
The Dalston Junction Interchange proposals are driven by existing national, regional and local planning policy. TfL has worked to meet any policy requirements, including:
• The Government’s national planning policy calls for 75% of new homes to be built on brownfield, such as the Dalston Junction site, rather than green open space
• In London, the Mayor’s policy calls for new developments, including tall buildings, to be built around good transport links, such as rail, tubes and bus garages
• Hackney’s Area Action Plan for Dalston seeks the redevelopment of the Dalston Junction site with homes, shops and new transport links
• The Hackney Council ‘Planning Brief’, specifically for the Dalston Junction site sets out guidelines for any development on the site, which identifies it as a prime location for taller-building led regeneration. Our proposals have used this as a strong guide.
- What will the proposals do for local business space?
The proposals will provide extra retail space in the town centre, bringing residents and shoppers into Dalston with the improved transport links and new homes.
Existing buildings will not be affected, with the exception of 570-572 Kinglsand Road, which would be removed to create a bus pick-up area (this building is owned by TfL).
- What about car parking and the roads in Hackney?
The proposals for follow Hackney Council and wider Government policy that encourages new developments to help reduce dependence on cars. The Dalston Junction Interchange provides easy access to public transport for residents and shoppers alike.
