Policy information sourced from The Waltham Forest Blackhorse Lane Area Action Plan

BHL9 Open Space and Nature Conservation

A) New developments in Blackhorse Lane should:

  • provide new green public open space, and appropriate landscaping, to ensure new development has a ‘green signature’ and to provide opportunities for social interaction and help alleviate flood risk. Play facilities should also be sought in appropriate cases;
  • be designed to respect the setting of the natural landscape, particularly along the valley edge, and improve physical, visual and intellectual access to the Lee Valley Regional Park and Walthamstow Wetlands.
  • avoid any negative impact on Lee Valley Special Protection Area and Ramsar site and other sites of importance to nature conservation, including watercourses. In exceptional circumstances a development causing negative impacts may be permitted, but only where appropriate mitigation for any harm has been provided, and no adverse impacts on the integrity of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area/ Ramsar Site would result;
  • incorporate measures to enhance biodiversity, such as green/ brown roofs, wildlife-friendly landscaping, tree planting, creating green corridors along watercourses, bird nesting and roofing spaces;
  • provide financial contributions towards projects that enhance the quality of open space and public access to it, in particular the Lee Valley Regional Park and Walthamstow Wetlands.

B) Existing open spaces in the area should be protected and enhanced. Opportunities for increased public use will be welcome.

C) To enhance biodiversity, water quality and public enjoyment, opportunities to open up and naturalise the Dagenham Brook will be supported.

D) Development proposals that help protect and enhance the ecological integrity of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area/ Ramsar Site, in order to sustain the complex habitats and the levels of populations for which it was classified, will be supported.

E) The area shown in figure 13 is no longer designated as a playing field.

For more information please see the Area Action Plan