Hackney's Moth Club wins planning battle as development refused following community campaign

Hackney’s Moth Club secures a major win as a nearby development is refused, though a second planning application still threatens the venue’s future.

Date published: 27th Mar 2026

Following a hard-fought, community-led fight with developers, Hackney's MOTH Club, one of London’s most beloved grassroots venues, has secured a major win: the planning application for a building directly next to the venue has been officially refused!

The public campaign saw everyone from local residents to regular attendees to the plethora of stars that have graced its stage come out in support, with the petition gaining over 30,000 signatures. The Instagram post from MOTH Club announcing the result called it a "huge win" but also stressed that "the fight is not over."

Since opening in 1972 as an ex-serviceperson’s club, MOTH has been a key part of its community and, for the last 10 years, has become a hub for live music, comedy, film nights, club events, and so much more under LNZRT’s programming.

Independent venues like MOTH are under constant threat across the country, with closures becoming all too common. MVT estimates 35% of grassroots venues have closed over the past 20 years. 2023 saw an average of 2 venues shutting every week.

That said, it’s not over just yet. A second planning application for a nearby development is still under consideration, meaning the fight to protect Moth Club's future isn’t done. The Hackney venue still needs people to keep spreading the word and signing the petition to ensure this fight doesn't dwindle after the first hurdle.

For now though, it’s still a win, and a reminder of what can happen when the scene sticks together shows up for one of its own. 

Sign the petition to save MOTH Club from the second building planning application - HERE

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Header image credit: MOTH Club // Facebook