Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033

P3 Waltham Abbey

  • Proposals for development on allocated sites should accord with the site specific policy requirements set out in Part Two of this Plan.

Residential Sites

  • In accordance with Policy SP1 the following sites are allocated for residential development:
    1. WAL.R1 Land West of Galley Hill Road, WAL.R2 Lea Valley Nursery, Crooked Mile and WAL.R3 Land adjoining Parklands – a minimum of 740 homes
    2. WAL.R4 Fire Station, Sewardstone Road – approximately 16 homes
    3. WAL.R5 Waltham Abbey Community Centre, Saxon Way – approximately 53 homes and re-provision of a community centre
    4. WAL.R6 Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool, Roundhills – approximately 27 homes

Employment Sites

  • In accordance with Policies SP1 and E1 the following existing sites are designated for employment uses:
    1. WAL.E1 Howard Business Park
    2. WAL.E2 Land at Breeches Farm
    3. WAL.E3 Land at Woodgreen Road
    4. WAL.E4 Cartersfield Road/Brooker Road Industrial Estate
    5. WAL.E5 Meridian Business Park and Distribution Centre
    6. WAL.E6B Galley Hill Road Industrial Estate
  • In accordance with Policies SP1 and E1 the following sites are allocated for employment uses:
    1. WAL.E6A Land adjacent to Galley Hill Road Industrial Estate (B2/B8 Use Class)
    2. WAL.E8 Land North of A121 (B2/B8 Use Class/ light industrial (within Use Class E)

Traveller Sites

  • In accordance with Policies SP1 and H4 the following site is allocated for traveller accommodation:
    1. WAL.T1 Land to the rear of Lea Valley Nursery, Crooked Mile – five pitches

Infrastructure Requirements

  • New development must be served and supported by appropriate on and off-site infrastructure and services. Development should deliver and/or contribute towards the delivery of infrastructure where this is necessary and fairly and reasonably related to the development having full regard to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan Schedule and its wider infrastructure objectives.
  • Development proposals in Waltham Abbey will be expected to deliver and/or contribute proportionately towards infrastructure items as required, including:
    1. education provision including early years, primary school and secondary school places;
    2. appropriate provision of health facilities;
    3. provision of walking and cycling facilities, providing linkages both within the site and to key destinations, including to the Lee Valley Regional Park;
    4. enhancements to public transport provision or other initiatives which reduce the need to travel by car;
    5. appropriate provision of surface water drainage measures;
    6. highways and junction upgrades;
    7. upgrade and improvement of utility infrastructure including water, waste water, solid waste, gas, electricity and telecommunications; and
    8. improvements to existing, and provision of new, green and blue infrastructure assets including open space in accordance with the Council’s adopted Green Infrastructure Strategy.

District Centre Uses

  • In accordance with Policy E2, in Waltham Abbey District Centre, at least 45% of the ground floor Primary Commercial, Business, and Service Frontage and at least 25% of the ground floor Secondary Commercial, Business, and Service Frontage will be maintained in Use Class E uses.

Air Pollution

  • The development of sites within Waltham Abbey has the potential to produce air pollution that could impact upon air quality in the District, including the Epping Forest. All development proposals will need to demonstrate that they are in accordance with Policy DM2 and Policy DM22 and should have regard to the Council’s adopted Air Pollution Mitigation Strategy for the Epping Forest. This includes, where necessary, the provision of financial contributions for the purposes of implementing air pollution mitigation initiatives and undertaking air quality monitoring and any necessary future air quality assessments.

Recreational Pressure

  • Developments within Waltham Abbey which would result in a net increase in dwellings have the potential to result in recreational pressure on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation. All such developments will need to demonstrate that they are in accordance with Policy DM2. This includes, where necessary, the provision of financial contributions towards mitigation and monitoring measures.

Flood Risk

  • Except for essential infrastructure and water compatible developments, no built development on residential allocations will be permitted on land within Flood Zones 2 and 3 as shown on the Council’s latest Strategic Flood Risk Assessment maps, including the appropriate allowance for climate change.

Waltham Abbey North Masterplan

  • Planning application for sites WAL.R1, WAL.R2, WAL.R3 and WAL.T1 should be accompanied by a Strategic Masterplan for the Waltham Abbey North Masterplan Area which demonstrates that the development requirements set out in this Policy have been accommodated and which has been endorsed by the Council. The endorsed Strategic Masterplan will be taken into account as an important material consideration in the determination of any planning applications. M. In addition to the requirements set out above the Strategic Masterplan must make provision for:
    1. a minimum of 740 homes;
    2. effective integration with the town centre, supporting regeneration;
    3. five pitches for traveller accommodation;
    4. a new local centre to include a community facility and retail uses;
    5. new road links to the existing highway network and an internal road layout to support a bus corridor;
    6. the potential need to upgrade/widen the existing Galley Hill Road and Crooked Mile, in order to ensure a safe access point and sufficient capacity for the development they serve;
    7. measures to promote and encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport and provide viable alternatives to single occupancy private car use including car clubs/car sharing or pooling arrangements;
    8. the strengthening and/or creation of new Green Belt boundaries to the North and East of the site;
    9. the integration, retention and improvements to the existing watercourses and Public Rights of Way;
    10. new pedestrian and cycle links through the site to the Lee Valley Regional Park, the existing allotments to the North, and towards Waltham Abbey District Centre;
    11. improvements to existing open space in the locality, together with enhancements within the Lee Valley Regional Park and onsite open space, including a proportion of natural greenspace; and
    12. ensure that vulnerability to surface water flooding as well as the potential consequences for surrounding sites is suitably mitigated through appropriate surface water drainage.
  • The Strategic Masterplan and subsequent applications should be considered and informed by the Quality Review Panel and be subject to public consultation, including in respect of Masterplans, consultation with all those with a development interest in the defined area.

For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033