Making Hackney a child-friendly borough - have your say
Developers and architects who plan and design buildings, streets and public spaces in Hackney will have to put the interests, needs and activities of children and young people at the core of their plans, under innovative new design guidelines being consulted on by Hackney Council.
Following approval at the Council’s Cabinet last Monday (19 October), a consultation has been launched today on the draft Child-Friendly Places Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The new design guidelines will ensure all those who play a key role in planning and designing spaces in Hackney actively consider and plan for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds by establishing child-friendly principles and design guidelines for any proposed developments. The ambition is to ensure that any proposed development in Hackney accommodates and supports children and young people in moving through the borough, providing them with opportunities to get physically active, connect with nature, and play in safe, healthy and unpolluted public spaces.
The draft planning document will help shape a better environment for existing and future residents, drawing on lessons from pioneering initiatives such as Hackney’s School Streets, which will see 40 streets around schools close to motor traffic at certain times to help families walk and cycle to school.
The consultation process will run until 12 January 2021 and will gather views on the child-friendly principles, design guidelines and engagement tools through an interactive website as well as workshops with various groups, including schools, youth centres, disability groups and built environment professionals.
We know that young people love growing up in our borough, but they've also told us they don't always find it a place where they can freely play, socialise or feel safe. We're determined to change that.
I am proud that the child-friendly planning policy will ensure that new developments actively listen to and cater for children and young people so that Hackney becomes an even better and more accessible place to connect with nature, play and freely move around.
I would especially encourage children and young people as well as anyone who works, visits and plays in Hackney to contribute to this consultation so we can create a better borough for all of us.
To view the draft Child-Friendly SPD and to share your views, please visit the dedicated Commonplace consultation website here