Five Points brewery has been given permission to install four massive steel storage tanks, leaving its Lower Clapton neighbours with a bad taste.

Hackney Gazette: A gas lorry reversing into Institute Place to reach Five Points brewery. Picture: John DentonA gas lorry reversing into Institute Place to reach Five Points brewery. Picture: John Denton (Image: John Denton)

Those living nearby were already fed up of the noise of beeping council bin trucks and forklifts, as well as what they say is up to five lorry deliveries and collections each day.

They urged its owner Ed Mason to relocate rather than try and expand his HQ, which is at the end of a narrow cobbled lane in Institute Place.

But councillors on Hackney Council’s planning sub-committee said last night it could get larger – and, for that matter, lager, the brewing of which is the reason it wants to expand. At the moment, Five Points’ lager is brewed in Belgium, but Mr Mason wants to bring the operation in house.

Three councillors out of the six on the committee had declared possible conflicts of interest as they knew Mr Mason through the Labour Party, but this was deemed acceptable and they were allowed to vote.

Hackney Gazette: John Denton outside Five Points brewery in Institute Place. Picture: Emma BartholomewJohn Denton outside Five Points brewery in Institute Place. Picture: Emma Bartholomew (Image: Emma Bartholomew)

John Denton, who has lived in Academy Apartments for 20 years, told the Gazette the meeting had been a “depressing 19th century experience”.

“There were angry scenes and one resident stormed out,” he said.

“I am sure Vincent [Cllr Stops, chair of the planning sub-committee] understands beer means barley, water, hops and yeast – and more of that means more waste and more activities in Institute Place.

“The installation of the tanks would most likely increase the overall impact on Institute Place but rather than get a transport and road usage assessment, the councillors fell into place and voted it through.”

Hackney Gazette: A lorry making a delivery at Five Points brewery. Picture: John DentonA lorry making a delivery at Five Points brewery. Picture: John Denton (Image: John Denton)

Mr Mason told the Gazette yesterday: “A key thing we would want to emphasise is that we are committed to the local community, to working in partnership with our neighbours and listening to any concerns, and that we will always meet with and listen to our neighbours and take feedback seriously.”