Stokey Local members have voted to put plans for a new Sainsbury’s and flats to Court of Appeal. Pic: Wikipedia

Protestors against the plans for a new Sainsbury’s and flats in Stoke Newington have agreed to take the fight against the development to the Court of Appeal.

The Stokey Local community group voted unanimously to challenge last month’s decision by the High Court’s to allow the controversial proposal on the basis that the decision-making process was flawed. They argue that vital information was withheld from Hackney Council, which originally approved the plans. The relevant reports and correspondence were not shown on the basis of confidentiality. 

The withheld documents explained why the developers decided to reduce the percentage of affordable housing from 50 to 17 per cent. Only the developers and two council officers have seen these reports.

Stokey Local are appealing to have these documents declassified. If they succeed and the information is made available to council members and the public it would be an unprecedented ruling.

The campaign’s number of supporters has increased significantly since it began in June 2011. Their first meeting had only four members compared to the 40 present at the meeting this week. To date, Stokey Local members have raised more than £24,000. They are continuing to fundraise for the appeal process.

Nick Perry, Stokey Local member. Pic: Muna Fadhil

Nick Perry, speaking for the group, said: “I’m tremendously encouraged by the passion the community has shown for the campaign.”

“We’ve had a couple of set-backs and each time the community has really understood what’s at stake and been eager to fight back…this time it’s backing us all the way to the Court of Appeal.”