The Planning Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Tuesday 8 January 2013, granting planning permission for several development projects across the borough. Key decisions included the redevelopment of the former Arcade Site in Walthamstow and the Chingford Municipal Offices, both subject to legal agreements for contributions towards affordable housing, education, and public realm improvements.

Redevelopment of Former Arcade Site, Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17

Planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of the former Arcade Site on Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 into a mixed-use development. The scheme, which will range from two to six storeys, includes 121 residential units, a multi-screen cinema, and six commercial units. This decision is subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 legal agreement.

This agreement mandates significant contributions from the developer. These include the provision of 50 affordable housing units, representing 41% of the total residential units, with rents aligned with the Borough's Affordable Rent Guidance. A viability reassessment will be conducted to determine if further affordable housing contributions can be made. The developer will also contribute £312,001 towards education improvements, £121,436 towards healthcare, and £416,000 for public realm enhancements, including street tree planting, pedestrian works, air quality monitoring, and public art. Furthermore, the agreement includes provisions for local employment and training initiatives during construction, the implementation of a Travel Plan, and a restriction preventing residents from obtaining resident parking permits, with the exception of Blue Badge holders. The applicant will also be required to market wheelchair-accessible units.

Councillor Asim Mahmood declared a non-pecuniary interest as he lives close to the site.

Redevelopment of Chingford Municipal Offices, 16 The Ridgeway, Chingford E4

Planning permission was also granted for a new residential development at the Chingford Municipal Offices, 16 The Ridgeway, Chingford E4. The project involves the construction of new residential buildings between two and four storeys high, comprising 88 residential units. Additionally, the existing 'old Town Hall' will be retained and converted into five flats. The development will provide 111 car parking spaces. This permission is also contingent on the applicant entering into a Section 106 legal agreement.

The Section 106 agreement for this site requires the provision of 19 affordable housing units (20% of the total) with rents in line with the Council's Affordable Rent Guidance. A viability reassessment will occur upon practical completion of 90% of the units to determine if higher affordable housing contributions or financial contributions can be made. The applicant must provide detailed evidence on an open-book basis for this reassessment. A minimum financial contribution of £200,000 is to be paid to the Council upon the sale of 90% of the scheme. A restriction will be placed on the final 10% of open market units until the viability reassessment is concluded and relevant payments are made. The first tranche sales of shared ownership units must be affordable to those on the Homebuy Agent waiting list for the Borough, with specific marketing periods and tenancy lengths for affordable rented units to be agreed. The refurbishment of the old Town Hall building must be completed and ready for occupation upon 80% practical completion of the total units.

The agreement also includes a Section 278 Agreement for highway works, a total payment of £400,000 towards infrastructure, including £331,260 for education, £40,000 for cycle lanes, £25,740 for healthcare, and £3,000 for Travel Plan implementation. Residents will be ineligible for resident parking permits, except for Blue Badge holders. A local labour agreement and employment plan for local unemployed people arising from the construction process, including on-site training, is also required. The applicant must also market wheelchair-accessible units and cover the Council's costs for viability reassessment and legal fees. A 5% payment of total monetary contributions will be made for monitoring and compliance.

Councillor Roy Berg declared a non-pecuniary interest as he is a ward councillor for this site and had previously met with the applicant, Fairview New Homes Ltd, before becoming a ward councillor, though he stated he had not formed a view. Councillor Matthew Davis also spoke as a public speaker regarding this application.

Other Planning Decisions

• 4 Parkhill Road, Chingford E4: Planning permission was granted for a two-storey rear extension.
• Drapers Playing Field, 22 Gordon Road, Stratford E15: Planning permission was granted for a minor material amendment to a previous permission, involving changes to the materials, surfacing, and layout of play areas, and the formation of a cycle path adjacent to a footpath.
• St Mary's Church of England Primary School, The Drive, Walthamstow E17: Planning permission was granted for the erection of two single-storey mobile units to provide four classrooms.
• St Mary's Church of England Primary School, 20 Brooke Road, Walthamstow E17: Planning permission was granted for a minor material amendment to a previous permission, changing the colour of a proposed fence.

The Committee also confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2012. No pecuniary interests were declared by any councillors.