The rapid growth of the Stamford Hill Charedi community has prompted Hackney Council to commit to a large-scale plan geared to meeting educational, health-care and housing needs in the area.

Hackney's Jewish population grew by 44.2 per cent between 2001 and 2011 and the Charedi community is currently estimated at up to 20,000.

Rabbi Abraham Pinter is among leaders involved in creating the plan, which he said showed the council was taking the needs of Charedim seriously.

"It's no secret that in the past the community's growth has put tension on local facilities. In the past, the council has been reactive - now it's being proactive.

"It's mainly an issue of housing, which is a problem all over London, but probably exacerbated in an area like Stamford Hill, where the Charedi community is increasing significantly every year.

"That also puts pressure on schools, health facilities, play areas - it's all-encompassing."

The community panel being formed to draw up the plan - which is expected to be finalised within the next two years - includes local councillors, residents and representatives from local interest groups.