The Planning Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday 03 March 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a phased mixed-use development at Lea Bridge Gas Works, the refusal of a mixed-use development at 562-564 High Road Leytonstone, and the approval of external refurbishment works at Arch 74 Rosebank Road. Planning permission was also granted for new canteen and classroom buildings at Yardley Primary School, and for a temporary vehicle workshop at Low Hall Argall Avenue.

Lea Bridge Gas Works, 78 Perth Road, Leyton, London, E10 7PB

Planning permission was granted for a phased development at Lea Bridge Gas Works, comprising demolition of existing buildings and the erection of new buildings for residential units (Use Class C3), flexible residential facilities, and commercial uses (Use Classes E and F2). The decision was subject to conditions, informatives, and the completion of a Deed of Variation to the original Section 106 Agreement. Key terms of the agreement include 20% affordable housing by habitable room, subject to grant funding and a registered provider entering into contract within 12 months. Financial contributions were agreed for CLP monitoring, Strategic Access Management and Maintenance, Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces, a Carbon Offset Fund, Orient Way improvements, Travel Plan monitoring, and healthcare facilities. Amendments were also made to schedules concerning local labour and employment, architect terms, wheelchair user units, energy targets, and healthcare facility provisions. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director - Development Management and Building Control to finalise the wording of conditions and the legal agreement.

562-564 High Road Leytonstone, London, E11 3DH

Planning permission was refused for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a two-to-four-storey building with a basement, roof terraces, PV panels, and amenity balconies. The proposed mixed-use development aimed to provide seven residential units and a commercial unit. The reasons for refusal cited harm to the form, proportion, and appearance of the surrounding area due to the height, scale, and massing; overlooking and loss of privacy to neighbouring properties; loss of amenity through noise transmission; and failure to enter into a Section 106 agreement.

Arch 74 Rosebank Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 8NH

Planning permission was granted for the external refurbishment of an existing arch, including the removal of lean-to structures, repointing of masonry walls, installation of a new motorised roller shutter and pedestrian access door, and palisade fencing and external lighting to front and rear yard areas. The decision was subject to conditions and informatives as set out in the report.

Yardley Primary School, Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford, London, E4 7PH (Application 251786)

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing canteen building and the construction of a part two-storey, part three-storey canteen and classroom building (Use Class F1). Associated works include new bin and bicycle/scooter storage facilities, photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and landscaping. The decision was subject to conditions, informatives, and the completion of a Unilateral Undertaking (UU). The UU includes Heads of Terms related to Biodiversity Net Gain, Highways and Transportation contributions, Energy targets, Legal Fees, and Monitoring and Implementation. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director - Development Management and Building Control to finalise the Unilateral Undertaking and agree minor amendments.

Yardley Primary School, Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford, London, E4 7PH (Application 252932)

Planning permission was granted for the construction of a single-storey detached modular building to provide temporary kitchen facilities on an area of the school playing field adjacent to the main building. This temporary structure is intended to maintain catering facilities during the demolition and construction of the new permanent building under application 251786. The consent is for a temporary period of 18 months and is subject to conditions and informatives.

Low Hall Argall Avenue, Leyton, London, E10 7AS

Planning permission was granted for the construction of a temporary building for use as a single-storey double-height 3-bay vehicle workshop, and the retention of a welfare cabin building. The temporary workshop is intended to facilitate essential vehicle repairs during the depot redevelopment and the construction of a new permanent facility. The structure is steel-framed, finished in profiled metal cladding, and measures 18m x 15m x 6.7m (ridge height). The welfare cabin will be marginally relocated. The consent is for a temporary period of three years and is subject to conditions and informatives.

Other Matters Discussed

The committee also noted the minutes of the previous meeting and considered an update report from the Assistant Director - Development Management and Building Control. The committee resolved to delegate the formalisation of wording for conditions and reasons for refusal to the Assistant Director in the event of amendments arising from debate. No declarations of interest were made by committee members.