LUC has secured planning permission for the installation of 102 solar PV panels on the fly tower of the Hackney Empire, a Grade II* listed building.

Working closely with Stokey Energy and the Hackney Empire, LUC prepared the planning statement and Historic Environment Assessment.

Stokey Energy, a community energy group, secured funding through the Greater London Authority for the project and has liaised closely with the Hackney Empire in identifying the optimum location and timeline for the installation.

Our planners engaged in the pre-application process with Hackney Council. The Council emphasised the need for the planning application to evaluate the impact of the solar PV panels on the special architectural interest of the Grade II* listed building and the surrounding conservation area.

The planning application addressed various concerns, including the impact on the historic environment and sustainability.

The Historic Environment Assessment confirmed that the development will cause no harm to the Hackney Empire's heritage significance and will have no perceptible impact on the Town Hall Conservation Area or any adjacent assets like the Mare Street Conservation Area. In terms of sustainability, the installation will lead to significant energy reduction producing 32.53MWh (megawatt per hour) and saving 9.14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, enhancing the theatre's long-term sustainability and cultural heritage.

We hope that the installation of solar PV panels on the Empire will raise public awareness of the importance of solar energy in addressing climate change, inspire building owners to consider sustainable energy solutions and influence how people value and utilise energy resources.