Policy information sourced from the Waltham Forest Local Plan
55 Building Heights
Appropriate building heights for new development will vary in response to the prevailing character and building heights of that part of the borough, in line with the approach to character-led intensification set out in Policy 8 ‘Character-Led Intensification’.
A. Building heights for new development will generally be acceptable where they fall within the ranges set out in Table 14.1 below. This remains subject to thorough assessments of context and character and all of the Exemplar Design criteria set out in Policy 53 ‘Delivering High Quality Design’.
| Agreed response to surrounding character | Indicative range of typical building shoulder heights | Indicative range of heights for buildings that exceed typical shoulder heights, where supported by a positively prepared Height and Massing Strategy | Approach to Tall Buildings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transformation | 4-9 storeys | Refer to Policy 54 ‘Tall Buildings’ | Refer to Policy 54 ‘Tall Buildings’ |
| Transition | 3-5 storeys | 6-9 storeys | Refer to Policy 54 ‘Tall Buildings’ |
| Reinforcement | 2-5 storeys | Not appropriate, other than in exceptional Reinforcement circumstances where the site context and proposed land uses would be enhanced by taller buildings. In such circumstances, may be considered appropriate. | Not appropriate |
B. Where development proposals are required by Part A to be supported by a Height and Massing strategy, any such strategy should demonstrate that proposals contribute to their context and result in a successful composition of buildings and open spaces. They should always come forward as positive design intentions rather than solely to increase density.
C. All development proposals should address issues of height and scale with regard to the impact on the local and historic context, as set out in Historic England Advice Note 4 (or equivalent) and other relevant guidance.
For more information please see the Waltham Forest Local Plan