Policy information sourced from the Waltham Forest Local Plan

46 Social and Community Infrastructure

A. Proposals for new or improved social and community infrastructure will be supported where they satisfy the following criteria:

  1. The proposal is required to meet current and projected identified need, where relevant, in accordance with Policy 47 ‘Education and Childcare Facilities’;
  2. The location is easily accessible by sustainable and active modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport for both staff and users;
  3. The proposal is of high quality and inclusive design, providing access for all in accordance with the design policies of this Plan (see ‘Creating High Quality Places’);
  4. Where appropriate, the proposal provides flexible and adaptable spaces permitting co-location of other forms of social and community infrastructure in the same building;
  5. Where appropriate, the proposal maximises the availability of the facility to the community through evening and weekend opening; and
  6. The proposal will not result in unacceptable environmental impacts.

B. Community facilities should be incorporated into mixed use proposals, where they meet an identified need.

C. New development will be required to contribute towards the provision of additional social and community infrastructure to accommodate and mitigate any impact on existing provision.

D. Proposals involving the loss of existing social or community infrastructure will not be permitted unless the following criteria are met:

  1. It can be demonstrated that adequate alternative facilities which meet the needs currently being met by the existing facility are available within walking distance, without leading to a shortfall in provision for the specific type of social or community infrastructure in the area; and/or
  2. It can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer required in its current use and cannot viably accommodate other forms of social or community infrastructure.

E. In the event that D(i) and/or D(ii) is met, evidence must be submitted to demonstrate that the loss of the facility in question would not create, or add to, a shortfall in provision for this specific type of social or community infrastructure in the borough, and demonstrate that there is no demand for any other suitable social infrastructure use on the site. The applicant must demonstrate that all reasonable efforts have been made to preserve the facility and site to meet identified local need. Evidence required includes, but is not limited to, 24 months marketing evidence.The length and scope of marketing evidence required may vary according to specific circumstances and should be agreed with the Council.

For more information please see the Waltham Forest Local Plan