The Planning Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday, 5 January 2010, to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for developments at 33 Higham Hill Road, Davies Nursery School, and Blades Sports Ground, subject to conditions and legal agreements. The application for Yardley Primary School was deferred for further ecological assessment.

33 Higham Hill Road, Walthamstow, E17

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing garages and buildings at 33 Higham Hill Road, Walthamstow, E17, and the construction of 24 new dwellings. The development will comprise 6 three-bedroom and 2 four-bedroom houses, along with 2 one-bedroom, 9 two-bedroom, and 5 three-bedroom flats. The scheme also includes the provision of 9 on-site car parking spaces and a refuse store. This decision was made subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Legal Agreement. This agreement will secure a total contribution of £155,795 towards health, education, and environmental/public realm improvements. It will also fund the establishment of a car club scheme with an off-site car club parking space nearby. The applicant, Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association, is a registered social landlord and a Strategic Investment Framework partner of the council, proposing a wholly affordable housing development for social rent.

Davies Nursery School, Leytonstone, E11

Planning permission was granted for the erection of a single-storey extension to form a Children's Centre and the provision of a toy shed at Davies Nursery School, 25 Davies Lane, Leytonstone, E11. The proposal is part of the Borough's Stage 3 Sure Start programme to provide Children's Centres across the borough, offering professional advice and support for parents and families. The extension will provide a fully accessible entrance, office, and meeting rooms, as well as an extension to the existing playroom and a re-provision of a covered play area. The design incorporates energy efficiency methods, including a green sedum roof and an air source heat pump. The decision was made with conditions, including the submission of samples and schedules of materials, details of external finishes, and an Arboricultural Method Statement to protect surrounding trees.

Blades Sports Ground, Chingford, E4

Planning permission was granted for the installation of a single-storey portacabin to provide changing facilities for local youth football teams using Blades Sports Ground, rear of 14 to 30 Salisbury Hall Gardens, Chingford, E4. A new fence and gate fronting Salisbury Hall Gardens will also be installed. The portacabin will measure 9.5m by 5.8m and be located towards the southeast corner of the playing field. The new fencing and gates will be 3m high and set back from the existing boundary. This development is considered an improvement to the existing playing field facilities, aligning with Policy ENV20 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan 2006, which seeks to retain and improve designated playing fields. Conditions include the colour coating of boundary fencing and gates, and details of external finishes for the portacabin.

Yardley Primary School, Chingford, E4

The application for the erection of a single-storey building to form a new Children's Centre at Yardley Primary School, Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford, E4, was deferred. This decision was made to allow for the submission of a full Ecological Impact Report concerning the scheme's impact on the adjoining nature reserve. The proposed Children's Centre would accommodate up to 15 parents with young children and up to 4 staff members, offering various activities including playgroup sessions, cooking classes, and health-related appointments. The building is designed with a contemporary appearance, extensive glazing, cedar panels, and clay roof tiles, incorporating sustainable design principles. The deferral comes after 13 letters of objection were received, raising concerns about traffic, parking, noise, loss of playing field, impact on the Hawkwood Nature Reserve, and the building's size and appearance.