The Planning Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday, 7 May 2024, to discuss and decide on several planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for two significant developments: Altham House at 1 Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, and a mixed-use development at 817-823 Forest Road, Walthamstow.

Altham House, 1 Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, London, E17 6DS (240359)

Planning permission was granted for the variation of Condition 2 of a previous planning permission (reference 222417) at Altham House. This variation allows for minor material amendments to the approved development, including an increase in co-living accommodation numbers and alterations to the building's massing, along with minor changes to the layout and landscaped public realm. The amendments will result in an additional 49 purpose-built shared living (co-living) units across two additional floor levels, bringing the total to 321 units. A new commercial unit for the Creative Enterprise Zone, community access at ground floor, and additional communal amenity space for residents are also included.

The decision was made subject to conditions, informatives, the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement, and a S96a non-material amendment application. The Section 106 agreement includes a financial contribution of £602,292 towards offsite affordable housing provision, with an early-stage viability review mechanism. Shared living rooms will be exclusively marketed to key workers and local residents for three months before being offered on the open market. Specific terms are outlined for the retention and marketing of a music venue, including the appointment of a consultant and a marketing strategy. The development also includes an employment and training strategy, with targets for local labour, apprenticeships, and work placements, along with default payments if these are not met. Wheelchair accessible units will be exclusively marketed to disabled occupiers for one year.

Significant financial contributions are also stipulated for highways and public realm improvements, including footway and cycle track renewal, vehicle crossover construction, and CCTV installation. Contributions are also allocated towards the Walthamstow Marshes flood study, Construction Logistics Plan monitoring, and the Walthamstow Wetlands project. The development is designated as car-free, except for two disabled parking spaces, and residents will not be entitled to parking permits unless they are blue badge holders. Contributions are also required for local community infrastructure, an Air Quality Action Plan, and a carbon offset fund. The sustainability strategy includes provisions for connection to the Blackhorse Lane Heat Network (BLHN) or an on-site air source heat pump solution, with detailed tests and re-calculations required. Financial contributions are also designated for Strategic Access Management Measures (SAMMS) related to the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The agreement also covers legal fees and a monitoring fee of 5% of the total contributions.

The committee also resolved to delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Development Management and Building Control, in consultation with the Council's Legal Services, for the sealing of the Section 106 Agreement and to agree any minor amendments. In the event the agreement is not completed within a reasonable timeframe, the Assistant Director is authorised to refuse the application.

817 - 823 Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 0DN (232205)

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing petrol station building and structures and the construction of a new mixed-use building. The development will range from three to five storeys, providing commercial floorspace (Use Class E) on the ground floor and 39 residential units (Use Class C3). The scheme includes landscaping, refuse/recycling storage, cycle parking, disabled persons' parking, and associated works.

The decision was made subject to conditions, informatives, and the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement. The agreement includes a contribution of £150,000 towards off-site affordable housing provision, with viability review mechanisms to capture any surplus profit. A Wheelchair Accessible Dwelling Marketing Strategy will be prepared, and wheelchair units will be exclusively marketed for a minimum of 12 months.

Significant contributions are also stipulated for highways and transportation, including highway works under a Section 278 agreement, such as the removal of redundant crossovers, installation of dropped kerbs, construction of vehicle crossovers, and renewal of footways and cycle tracks. Amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order are also included. A Section 38 agreement for the adoption of land fronting Forest Road is required. Contributions are allocated towards Construction Logistics Plan monitoring and improving sustainable modes of transport, including walking and cycling. A condition survey of surrounding roads is also mandated.

The development will be car-free, with residents not entitled to parking permits unless they are blue badge holders. An Employment and Training Strategy is included, with targets for local labour, apprenticeships, and work placements, along with default payments if these are not met. Financial contributions are also allocated towards the Air Quality Action Plan, a Carbon Offset Fund for both residential and commercial elements, and measures to secure post-construction monitoring for energy efficiency. Contributions are also designated for the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) towards Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM), and for the refurbishment of local parks. A contribution towards Flood Mitigation/SuDS Implementation is also included, along with a provision for a contribution towards the value of a street tree if it dies within five years due to building works. The agreement also covers the retention of the architect during the build phase, legal fees, and a monitoring fee of 5% of the total S106 contributions.

The committee also resolved to delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Development Management and Building Control, in consultation with the Council's Legal Services, for the sealing of the Section 106 Agreement and to agree any minor amendments. In the event the agreement is not completed within a reasonable timeframe, the Assistant Director is authorised to refuse the application.

The meeting also included a vote of thanks to the Chair, Councillor Jenny Gray, as it was her last meeting of the municipal year.