This week in Waltham Forest:

Pension Board Meeting Postponed

The Waltham Forest Council Pension Board meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th, has been postponed. The meeting was set to cover critical updates on pension administration, compliance with the General Code of Practice, and consultations on the future of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Here's what was on the agenda:

• Pension Administration Service Update: The board was to review performance statistics, complaints data, and quality questionnaire results, which have consistently exceeded targets.
• The Pension Regulator General Code of Practice Update: An update on compliance with the General Code of Practice, including modules on Cyber Controls and Scams, was planned.
• Consultations: Discussions on the Fit for the Future consultation and changes to the LGPS in England and Wales, addressing survivor pensions and the gender pension gap, were scheduled.
• Risk Review: The board was to review the Pension Fund Risk Register, focusing on yellow risks across areas like asset investment, governance, and regulatory changes.
• Training Report: A report on training undertaken by pension board members, committee members, and officers was to be presented.

The postponement means that these important discussions, which directly impact the financial security of council employees and retirees, are delayed.

Licensing Sub-Committee to Review Tanya Restaurant Application

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 19th, to consider a new premises licence application for Tanya Restaurant, located at 624 High Road Leytonstone. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

• The application seeks permission for the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment.
• Representations have been received from local residents, the police, and the council's licensing team, raising concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder.
• The police and licensing team withdrew their objections after the applicant agreed to implement additional conditions, including CCTV, a Challenge 25 policy¹, and restrictions on walk-in sales of alcohol.
• Councillor Marie Pye submitted a representation raising concerns about public safety and antisocial behaviour, requesting that there should be no off sales and that alcohol can only be consumed with meals.

The Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Catherine Deakin, will need to balance the applicant's business interests with the concerns of residents and the responsible authorities, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.

Staffing Committee to Appoint Strategic Director of Place

The Staffing Committee is meeting on Monday, June 16th, to discuss the appointment of a new Strategic Director of Place. Link to the Staffing Committee meeting

• The Strategic Director of Place is a senior leadership role responsible for the Place Directorate, including housing, regeneration, planning, property and commercial estate.
• The previous post holder retired in January 2025, and the committee is now being asked to interview candidates for the permanent role.
• The Strategic Director of Place will report to the Chief Executive, Linzi Roberts-Egan.
• The Strategic Director of Place will be responsible for a budget of £36 million, and a total capital budget of approximately £712 million from 2024/25 to 2034/35. They will also be responsible for approximately 450 staff across the Place directorate.

Other Matters

• The Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 17th, to discuss the Waltham Forest Community Safety Partnership and the committee's forward plan for the 2025/26 municipal year. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Climate Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 24th. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting
• The Pension Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 25th. Link to the Pension Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings:

• Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee - Thursday 19 June 2025 - Tanya Restaurant - Premises Licence Application. Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting
• Climate Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 24 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Climate Scrutiny Committee meeting
• Pension Committee - Wednesday 25 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Pension Committee meeting
• Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 17 June 2025 - Waltham Forest Community Safety Partnership. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Council to Buy 64 Homes for Temporary Housing

Waltham Forest Council plans to acquire at least 64 homes for temporary accommodation, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive private sector options. The Cabinet approved the £28.8 million scheme, funded by a Greater London Authority (GLA) grant and council borrowing.

• Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), emphasized the urgent need for temporary accommodation in the borough.
• Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, Portfolio Lead Member - Children and Young People, highlighted the importance of keeping families within their communities, noting that one child in every classroom in London is living in temporary accommodation.
• The council estimates the programme will save £6 million over 10 years compared to using private sector temporary accommodation.

This decision could significantly impact vulnerable families, providing more stable and suitable housing while also saving the council money.

Leytonstone Car Park Could Become Affordable Housing

The Cabinet has agreed to consult on closing Church Lane Car Park in Leytonstone Google Maps link and potentially selling the site to Pocket Living Limited for redevelopment. The Cabinet agreed that 54% of the 134 new homes would be available for Discounted Market Rent.

• The council intends to relocate the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and playground to a higher quality facility as part of the development.
• The council says that the site offers an excellent opportunity to release strategic value and deliver much-needed affordable housing.
• The council rejected developing the site itself due to the capital resources required.

This decision could provide more affordable housing options in the area, but may also impact local parking availability.

Council Extends Partnership with Norse Group

The council's joint venture (JV) with Norse Group Norse Group website for property services has been extended for five years, until 2032. The Cabinet approved the extension, which includes a contract variation to improve service delivery and embed new statutory requirements.

• Councillor Ahsan Khan noted that changing market conditions have affected the council's capital programme, and that the proposal addresses this changing context.
• Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council, welcomed the proposal and noted the ongoing focus on risk and contract management.
• The council considered ending the JV, but discounted this option due to the financial impact and complexity of the transition.

This decision aims to ensure continued property services while adapting to changing financial realities.

Planning Committee Discusses Key Developments

The Planning Committee convened to discuss several significant planning applications across the borough. Link to the Planning Committee meeting

• 694 High Road Leytonstone: Applications for amendments to a previously approved development, including the addition of an amenity terrace, were discussed. Concerns were raised about loss of privacy, visual impact, and noise.
• 18A Hickman Avenue, Chingford: A proposal for a part 6, part 8 storey building comprising 87 self-contained flats was reviewed. Objections were received regarding excessive density, height, and impact on local character.
• 86 Brunner Road, Walthamstow: An application for a part 10 and part 17 storey building comprising 423 student accommodation units and commercial space was considered. The proposal includes affordable student accommodation and contributions towards local infrastructure.
• Units 7-17, The Antelope, 201 Church Road, E10: The committee discussed the continuation of use of the first and second floors as a ten-room large house in multiple occupation (HMO).
• Relcon Works, 35 Sutherland Road, Walthamstow: An application for the temporary change of use from industrial/commercial to residential as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) was reviewed.

Staffing Committee Considers Appointment of Corporate Director

The Staffing Committee met to consider applications for the position of Corporate Director of Adult Social Care Operations. Link to the Staffing Committee meeting

• One candidate had been shortlisted to attend stakeholder engagement panels.
• The committee was scheduled to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting due to the confidential nature of the discussions.

Pension Board to Discuss Risk Management and LGPS Consultations

The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on June 11th to discuss key issues affecting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Link to the Pension Board meeting

• The board will review the Pension Fund Risk Register, focusing on yellow risks and mitigation strategies.
• Updates on the 'Local Government Pension Scheme (England and Wales): Fit for the Future' consultation will be provided, covering areas such as asset pooling and governance.
• The board will also discuss changes to the LGPS in England and Wales, intended to improve fairness in and access to the scheme.

Other Matters

• The Public Transport Consultative Group met on 4 June, but no transcript of the meeting was provided. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting

Upcoming Meetings:

• Pension Board - Wednesday 11 June 2025 - Risk management, training, and updates on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) consultations. Link to the Pension Board meeting
• Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Commmittee - Tuesday 17 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Communities and Public Protection Scrutiny Commmittee meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

Late-Night Burgers and Booze: Residents Object to New Licence

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee convened this week to discuss a new premises licence application for V's Burgers, located at 507 Hale End Road, Chingford, E4 9PT. The application requested permission for late-night refreshment and recorded music until 2:00 AM daily, and the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily.

• Eight representations were received from local residents, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder.
• Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the applicant proposed revised hours, reducing the late-night refreshment and alcohol sale times to 12:00 AM on Sundays through Thursdays and 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Despite the revisions, all original objectors maintained their representations.

The Sub-Committee was tasked with balancing the applicant's business interests with the concerns of residents and the responsible authorities, in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. The Sub-Committee had the option to grant the licence with or without modifications, or to reject the application entirely.

No transcript of the meeting was provided.

Link to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee meeting

Other matters

• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on 3 June to discuss an asset transformation strategy, a temporary accommodation acquisition programme, and the future of the Evolve Norse joint venture. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• The Public Transport Consultative Group is scheduled to meet on 4 June. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 3 June to discuss planning applications, including a large residential development at 18A Hickman Avenue, and a temporary change of use for Relcon Works. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on 11 June. Link to the Pension Board meeting
• The Staffing Committee is scheduled to meet on 5 June to discuss the appointment of a Corporate Director of Adult Social Care Operations. Link to the Staffing Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings:

• Cabinet - Tuesday 03 June 2025 - Asset Transformation Strategy, Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Programme, and Evolve Norse Review. Link to the Cabinet meeting
• Public Transport Consultative Group - Wednesday 04 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Public Transport Consultative Group meeting
• Planning Committee - Tuesday 03 June 2025 - Planning applications including 18A Hickman Avenue, 694 High Road Leytonstone, 86 Brunner Road, Units 7-17, The Antelope, 201 Church Road, and Relcon Works, 35 Sutherland Road. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• Staffing Committee - Thursday 05 June 2025 - Appointment of Corporate Director of Adult Social Care Operations. Link to the Staffing Committee meeting
• Pension Board - Wednesday 11 June 2025 - Agenda to be confirmed. Link to the Pension Board meeting

This week in Waltham Forest:

• The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss a premises licence variation for The Lacy Nook, including extended hours and potential public nuisance concerns.
• The Council was scheduled to elect a new Mayor, appoint councillors to committees, and review the council's scheme of delegation.

Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee - Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application from Liber Events Ltd. to vary the existing premises licence for The Lacy Nook, Wood Street Studios, Barrett Road, Walthamstow London E17 3FU. The proposed changes included extending the hours for the sale of alcohol and the opening hours of the premises, as well as revising the premises plan.

The Lacy Nook currently operates under a premises licence granted on 14 June 2022, which allows the sale of alcohol from Wednesday to Sunday between 12:00 and 21:30, with opening hours from 10:00 to 22:00. The variation application sought to extend the sale of alcohol until 22:00 on Wednesdays to Sundays, and to extend opening hours to include Tuesdays and later closing times on Wednesdays to Sundays.

The council received representations from responsible authorities, including the AQEP – noise team, and the planning department, citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance. Section 35 of the Licensing Act 2003 requires the Authority to hold a hearing to consider such representations.

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the application, taking into account the views of the applicants and any representations from responsible authorities and other persons. The Sub-Committee was asked to take steps appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives¹, which include granting the licence with or without modifications, or rejecting the application.

The meeting was scheduled to follow a specific procedure, including introductions, presentations from the licensing officer, applicant, responsible authorities, and other parties, followed by summations and a decision by the Sub-Committee. The Committee may have resolved to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act as amended.

Council - Thursday 22 May 2025

The Council meeting scheduled for 22 May 2025 included the election of a new Mayor, the appointment of councillors to various committees and outside bodies, and a review of the council's scheme of delegation. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss the programme of meetings for the upcoming year.

The meeting was scheduled to include the election of a councillor to serve as Mayor of the London Borough of Waltham Forest for the municipal year 2025/26. The newly elected Mayor was expected to address the council following their election. Councillor Sharon Waldron was the Mayor at the time of the previous meeting.

Councillors were scheduled to discuss the establishment and appointment of committees and other council bodies for 2025-26. According to the report pack, the council has a duty to ensure that appointments are made in accordance with regulations regarding political balance.

The council was expected to determine the number of seats on all committees, the allocation of seats to party groups, the appointment of councillors to sit on committees, and the appointment of chairs and vice-chairs of committees. The report pack also notes the memberships of the Boards of Directors of the Local Authority Trading Companies.

The following Ordinary Committees were listed for discussion: Audit & Governance Committee, Licensing (General) Committee, Pensions Fund Committee, Planning Committee, and Staffing Committee. The report pack states that principles (a), (b) and (d) of the political balance rules also apply to Overview & Scrutiny Committees and sub-committees. The Cabinet, Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Committee, and Health and Wellbeing Board are excluded from the Political Balance Rules.

The council was scheduled consider the appointment of councillors to statutory and non-statutory outside bodies for 2025-26. The list of outside bodies shows the number of seats proposed for each body in 2025-26. Some of the Statutory Appointments listed in the report pack include: Greater London Employment Forum, Henry Green Scholarship Fund, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority², Local Government Information Unit, London CIV Shareholder Representatives (Collective Investment Vehicle), London Council Leaders Committee, London Councils Grants Committee, London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, London Legacy Development Planning Decisions Committee, London Road Safety Council, Newable, North London Waste Authority, North London Waste Authority Planning Members Group, Norse Evolve (formally NPS Property Services), Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Safer Neighbourhoods Board.

Some of the Non Statutory Appointments listed in the report pack include: 12 F (Walthamstow) Squadron on Air Training Corps, Barking and Gospel Oak Line User Group, Buxton Learning Trust, Capital Letters (London) Limited, CREATE, London Youth Games, Relate (North East London), Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Greater London, Sea Cadets - Waltham Forest Unit No. 347, Waltham Forest Citizens Advice Bureau, Waltham Forest Faith Communities Forum Core Group, Waltham Forest Race Equality Council: Executive Committee, Waltham Forest Race Equality Council: Management Board, and Walthamstow Almshouse and General Charity.

The council was scheduled to agree to the delegation of non-executive functions to officers as defined by the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000. The council was asked to agree to the delegations set out in the council’s constitution, and the General Scheme of Delegation, which sets out how powers are delegated to officers by the council and the Executive across a range of areas, including finance, procurement and HR.