At our public meeting on Saturday 18th October, there was a mix of frustration, disappointment and anger at Hackney Council’s design ideas for 55 Morning Lane, after they ignored what residents need and demand – a big Tesco and 50% social housing. These demands are consistent with those made in previous surveys, meetings, council consultations, and conversations. But the discussion of what to do next was full of new and innovative ideas.
We’re encouraged by Hackney Council increasing the amount of social housing in the plans from zero when we started our campaign to about 26% now. We’re disappointed by their insistence on downsizing Tesco despite claiming at the start of the consultation in December that no decision had been made beyond promising Tesco a minimum size for any new store.
There was overwhelming support for making Hackney Council’s plans for 55 Morning Lane an electoral issue by demanding that Labour councillors develop the site for the community if they want our votes in May. People at the meeting also want to increase the specific pressure on cabinet members ahead of them making a decision on this which Council Officers have told us will happen this year.
Working in small groups we developed demands, questions and campaign ideas and then we shared these. Here are some of our questions:
Why are we not building 50% council housing on council-owned land? Have all funding routes been explored? Why can’t the council be the developer?
Can we put pressure on Tesco? Why is Tesco not paying any rent?
What is the risk of financing the deal via sales of private housing? Can we defer the decision?
Can we challenge the consultation? Did the consultation reach beyond the digitally literate?
How much is the parking currently being used? What is the impact of the loss of the parking on local businesses?
And finally we developed slogans in each of our groups to capture our key messages to Hackney Council:
Not getting my vote in 2026 unless: large supermarket, car park, 50% social housing – Hackney Council, you have been warned, listen to us!
Alternative funding model or no development
Council homes on council land
Election issue: No social housing, no vote
Vote 2026: For: Social housing, Big Tesco, Blank: Labour councillors
SOS Save Our Store
Election pressure on Mayor and cabinet, Call for Review, Lobby government for council housing
Oh no! Not another Fashion Hub
morninglanepeoplesspace.org 