Policy information sourced from The Waltham Forest Local Plan Core Strategy

CS2 - Improving Housing Quality and Choice

Housing Growth

The Council will facilitate sustainable housing growth by:

A) maximising the number of quality homes in the Borough by:

  1. resisting the unjustified net loss of residential accommodation;
  2. prioritising development on previously developed land, particularly unused or underused land;
  3. focusing the delivery of new homes in Waltham Forest’s key growth areas of Walthamstow Town Centre, Blackhorse Lane, the Northern Olympic Fringe, Wood Street and other key sites in the Borough to meet or exceed a housing target of 10,320 new homes over the plan period;
  4. where appropriate, incorporating new homes into mixed use development;
  5. making effective and efficient use of land by seeking to optimise housing densities;
  6. supporting initiatives to bring 1035 empty properties back into use over the plan period; and
  7. working with housing partners to support the programme of housing estate renewal.

Affordable Housing

B) maximising the number of quality affordable homes in the Borough by:

  1. maximising the number of quality affordable homes in the Borough by aiming to provide at least 50% (5,700 homes) of homes as affordable over the plan period. A balance of tenures between social rented, affordable rent and intermediate housing should be provided;
  2. Assessing the level of affordable housing on a site by site basis. In order to deliver the maximum amount of affordable housing, developments proposing less than 50% will need to demonstrate a viability case, in the form of a viability assessment. Where a viability case is used to justify an affordable housing offer below policy requirements, the Council will require the shortfall to be treated as a deferred contribution. The Council will then require a subsequent viability assessment to be undertaken when the scheme is completed and largely occupied and should viability have improved, the Council will seek a further payment up to a maximum of the deferred sum.

Mixed and Balanced Communities

C) creating an economically mixed and balanced community by seeking a range of home sizes and tenures in new development. The Council will prioritise the need for larger homes (3 bedroom or more) in new developments and resist the loss of any existing larger homes. Support will be given to the re-establishment of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) into single family sized houses.

Housing Design and Accessibility

D) creating successful communities by requiring high quality design from all new housing development to ensure it makes a positive contribution to improving the urban environment in the Borough. New homes should be accessible to all members of the community and be able to adapt to the changing needs of residents throughout their lives.

Housing for Older and Vulnerable People

E) creating a mixed and inclusive community by enabling a variety of housing types to meet the identified local needs of older and vulnerable people.

Gypsies and Travellers Provision

F) creating an inclusive community by seeking to protect existing provision and consider the future needs and requirements of Gypsies and Travellers.

For more information please see the Local Plan Core Strategy