Policy information sourced from The Waltham Forest Local Plan Development Management Policies

DM28 Heritage Assets

Development proposals which may affect the significance of heritage assets in Waltham Forest (both designated and undesignated) or their setting should demonstrate how these assets will be protected, conserved and where appropriate enhanced. A Heritage Statement required under paragraph 128 of the NPPF should accompany all applications that affect heritage assets. In considering proposals, the Council will have regard to the following:

Conservation Areas

A) In order to preserve or enhance the significance, including character or appearance of the conservation areas (as shown on the Policies Map), and their settings, the Council will:

  • permit development in conservation areas which preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the area;
  • only permit the demolition of any building in a conservation area where it is clear that this would not have an adverse effect on the character or appearance of the area. In cases where demolition may be justified in accordance with national policy, consent to demolish will be given only when acceptable plans for redevelopment have been agreed;
  • use Article 4 directions to raise awareness of good conservation practice and encourage property owners to implement appropriate improvements to properties and other heritage assets which preserve or enhance the character of conservation areas;
  • preserve any tree which contributes to the character of the conservation area;
  • seek designation, where appropriate, of conservation areas as areas of special control for advertisements.

Statutorily Listed Buildings

B) The Council will only permit proposals involving the demolition of any building which is on the statutory list of buildings of special architectural and/or historic interest where exceptional circumstances are shown that outweigh the case for retention. The fact that a building has become derelict will not in itself be sufficient reason to permit its demolition.

C) The Council will permit uses, alterations or extensions that would not be detrimental to the significance of the assets including fabric, appearance, historic interest or setting of these buildings: and it will encourage proposals which seek their rehabilitation, maintenance repair and enhancement;

D) Wherever possible consideration should be given to improving access for people with disabilities to all listed buildings open to the public or where people are employed.

Locally Listed Buildings

E) The Council will seek to retain buildings included on its local list of buildings of architectural/historic interest and encourage their sympathetic maintenance and enhancement. Alterations or extensions to locally listed buildings will be expected to achieve a high standard of design.

Buildings of importance to the character of town centre areas

F) In considering development proposals for properties of particular importance to the character of town centre areas, the Council will have regard to ensuring that the essential character of the particular building or asset is maintained and enhanced by the proposals. Proposals which would involve the demolition of, or drastic alterations to these properties will be resisted.

Archaeological Heritage

G) The Council will ensure the preservation, protection and where possible the enhancement of the archaeological heritage of the borough (See Schedule 23 and the Policies Map). Where proposals affect heritage assets of archaeological interest, preference will be given to preservation in situ. However, where loss of the asset is justified in accordance with national policy, the remains should be appropriately recorded, assessed, analysed, disseminated and the archive deposited.

Improvement Schemes

H) The Council will work with owners/partners to restore buildings, spaces and areas. Where significant harm to a heritage asset is justified in accordance with national policy, a programme of work will be secured with mitigation measures through planning conditions or a planning obligation.

Area of Special Character

I) The Highams Estate was designated as an Area of Special Character by the Council in 1988. This area is shown on the Policies Map and described in Schedule 22. Although this is not a statutory designation, the Council recognises that this area has special character that must be protected.

Heritage at Risk

J) The Council will expect property owners/partners to work proactively with the authority in bringing forward proposals to preserve or enhance Heritage Assets at Risk or under threat within the borough to facilitate their successful rehabilitation and seek their viable reuse consistent with their heritage value and special interest.

For more information please see the Local Plan Development Management Policies