The Planning Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday 05 March 2024 to consider several planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for developments at 698a High Road Leytonstone and 80b Mornington Road, and also noted the planning performance report.

698a High Road Leytonstone (223174)

Planning permission was granted for the conversion of the Grade II listed building at 698a High Road Leytonstone into six self-contained flats. This decision was made subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the committee report and update report, and the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement. The agreement includes terms for a car-free development, a condition survey of the carriageway and footways, and financial contributions towards improving sustainable transport modes and monitoring. Additionally, Listed Building Consent was issued for the application (223276).

The development involves excavation at basement level for a side and rear extension, the construction of a mansard roof extension with dormer windows, refurbishment of brickwork, and internal alterations. The proposal aims to bring the vacant building, which is listed on the Heritage at Risk Register, back into use. Objections were raised by Councillor Marie Pye and the Bushwood Area Residents Association, primarily concerning the impact on the listed building. However, officers noted that the proposal had been designed with the assistance of the Council's Conservation Officer and Historic England, and that the works would enhance the building, potentially leading to its removal from the Heritage at Risk Register.

80b Mornington Road, Chingford (231327)

Planning permission was granted for alterations to an existing outbuilding at 80b Mornington Road, Chingford, including the replacement of its roof and a reduction in its height. This decision was made subject to the conditions and informatives outlined in the committee report and update report, including an additional condition that the outbuilding should only be used for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the main residential dwelling and not for living or sleeping accommodation.

The application was referred to the committee due to public interest. The outbuilding had previously been deemed unlawful due to exceeding permitted development limits and was the subject of an Enforcement Notice. The proposed alterations aim to rectify this breach by reducing the structure's height and replacing the pitched roof with a flat green roof. While the site is within the Station Road Conservation Area, the Conservation Officer noted that the outbuilding's location at the rear meant it did not contribute to the conservation area's character, and the proposed changes would have a neutral impact. Objections from local residents included concerns about right of way over unregistered land, the building's compliance with the Conservation Area, and potential fire and crime risks. Officers stated that right of way is not a material planning consideration and that the use of the outbuilding as a garden room/garage is established.

Planning Performance Report

The committee considered and noted the information within the planning performance report. This report provided an overview of planning performance, timeliness of decisions, appeal outcomes, and measures being taken to improve performance and address resourcing issues. The report highlighted that the Council is performing well against national speed and quality measures for determining planning applications. It also detailed the Council's appeal performance, noting a success rate in line with the national average, and outlined recent staff recruitment and increased planning fees which are intended to improve capacity and capability within the Planning Team.