The London Daily News

Residents of the small Hackney parish of Norton Folgate plan to declare "independence" to block a proposed skyscraper.

Echoing the famous film "Passport to Pimlico", the 5,000 strong protesters from the short stretch of Shoreditch High Street and Bishopsgate, claim they have evidence to secede from London.

Distinct district?

Hackney council have recently approved plans for a 646,000 square foot office and hotel complex in a £700 million scheme by developers Hammerson.

Residents, backed by English Heritage, claim maps in the City of London Guildhall Library show Norton has distinct district status, meaning they can quash central planning law.

Status 'never abolished'

The area was deemed an extra parochial "liberty" during the Reformation and remained a separate district under the jurisdiction of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's Cathedral.

The liberty status was believed to be revoked in 1900 but the newly found documents appear to question that.