The Planning Committee will be provided with an update report on the planning applications to be considered at the meeting. The sole application to be considered is a proposal by Waltham Forest Council for the change of use of the railway arches on Courtenay Place.

Railway Arches (Nos. 5-20) Courtenay Place

The application, submitted by Waltham Forest Council, seeks permission to change the use of arches 5-20 on Courtenay Place to provide a mix of commercial and food and drink units. The arches are currently vacant and the application states that they are

in the most part obscured by an area of overgrown vegetation.

4.1-242383 - Courtenay Place Courtenay Mews Walthamstow E17 - Final page 5

The report pack states that

The development would occupy empty railway arch units within Courtenay Place, an area that would benefit from the redevelopment and refurbishment to activate the public realm in this area, creating a safe and enjoyable place as well as providing employment opportunities and stimulating the economy.

4.1-242383 - Courtenay Place Courtenay Mews Walthamstow E17 - Final page 14.

The arches are located within the St James Street area which is identified in Policy 10 of the Waltham Forest Local Plan 2024 as an area where

proposals that seek to establish and consolidate the development of a cultural quarter and evening economy at the eastern end of the High Street and a residential neighbourhood, with retail, leisure, evening economy and community and health infrastructure

are supported.

The report states that a number of representations were received from the public objecting to the scheme, and summarises the consultation responses from the Council's own officers and from statutory consultees like the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London. The report recommends that planning permission is granted.