Planning in Waltham Forest

Promoting Culture and Creativity

Arts, culture, creativity and entertainment will be supported by the Council, especially where this boosts the economy and enhances quality of life in the borough. Development proposals should: A. Protect and enhance cultural venues. Development proposals involving the loss of arts, culture and/or entertainment facilities will be resisted where a continuing demonstrable need exists, unless the facility is re-provided in accordance with other policy requirements in the Plan (see Policy 46 'Social and Community Infrastructure'); B. Encourage and direct new cultural venues in the following ways: i. Major development of arts, culture, entertainment and visitor facilities should be directed to Walthamstow Town Centre, other designated Town Centres and other locations accessible by public transport (See Policy 39 'New Retail, Office and Leisure Developments'); ii. Smaller scale proposals will be supported in areas that are accessible by public transport, walking and cycling routes and in locations that are accessible to those who are likely to use the facility; iii. Where appropriate (in accordance with other policies of the Plan), new and existing social and community infrastructure will be encouraged to include space for art and cultural events; C. Support temporary, meanwhile cultural uses in vacant buildings, parks and open spaces in highly accessible locations and in designated Centres, particularly where these meet community requirements, including for performance and creative work; D. Encourage the use of outdoor spaces and the public realm for art, culture, sports and entertainment uses in designated centres; E. Mitigate impacts from noise and other nuisance-generating activities in line with the Agent of Change principle; F. Promote the early integration of public art within development proposals, particularly in the Strategic Locations; and G. Secure Section 106 contributions, as set out in the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), towards the provision of public art and cultural activity including the funding, management, development, implementation and maintenance of public art projects which are part of major development sites. All major development proposals involving mixed use/commercial space should contribute to cultural enhancement projects in the local area, subject to viability considerations.

Protecting Public Houses

A. Public houses (pubs) will be protected as important local assets in the borough, especially when: i. They have a heritage, economic, social or cultural value to the local community, in line with relevant policies in 'Conserving and Enhancing our Heritage' and 'Promoting Culture and Creativity'; or ii. They are of significant importance for particular group in the community, especially as a place for socialising and entertainment; or iii. They are registered as an Asset of Community Value, and appropriate and proportionate public consultation has been undertaken by the developer/applicant with the local community; B. The Council will only permit the change of use or redevelopment of a public house (Sui Generis) after consideration of relevant policies and if all of the following criteria are met: i. There would be no resulting shortfall of public house provision; ii. Proposals meet the requirements of Policy 46 'Social and Community Infrastructure'; and iii. There is evidence that the existing use or business operation is not financially viable and the site has been prominently marketed at a realistic freehold or leasehold price for the same use for a continuous period of at least 24 months.

Social and Community Infrastructure

A. Proposals for new or improved social and community infrastructure will be supported where they satisfy the following criteria: i. The proposal is required to meet current and projected identified need, where relevant, in accordance with Policy 47 'Education and Childcare Facilities'; ii. The location is easily accessible by sustainable and active modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport for both staff and users; iii. 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'); iv. Where appropriate, the proposal provides flexible and adaptable spaces permitting co-location of other forms of social and community infrastructure in the same building; v. Where appropriate, the proposal maximises the availability of the facility to the community through evening and weekend opening; and vi. 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: i. 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 ii. 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.

Education and Childcare Facilities

A. Development proposals for new education or childcare facilities in the borough will be supported: i. Where population change and growth require its provision: 1. In areas of need as identified through annual reviews of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan; 2. In accessible locations, with good public transport accessibility and access by walking and cycling; ii. Where entrances and playgrounds are situated away from busy roads especially for early years and primary education facilities; iii. Where they maximise the use of educational facilities for community, recreation or cultural use, through appropriate design measures; iv. Where encouragement is given to the shared use of services between schools, colleges, universities, sports providers, community and cultural facilities; v. Where they are designed to be accessible and inclusive to meet the needs of a range of users, including disabled people; and vi. Where they are designed to incorporate safe, suitable and accessible outdoor space. B. Development proposals that would result in a loss of education or childcare facilities will not be supported, unless it can be demonstrated that there is no ongoing or projected future demand.

Promoting Healthy Communities

Proposals will be supported where they promote the creation of healthy and sustainable places and communities by: A. Encouraging the delivery of high-quality environments that enable healthier, active and sustainable lifestyles (see Policy 53 'Delivering High Quality Design' and 'Active Travel, Transport and Digital Infrastructure'); B. Encouraging the mitigation of environmental impacts on the health and well-being of occupiers; C. Undertaking Health Impact Assessments where required (see Policy 49 'Health Impact Assessments'); D. Supporting the delivery of social and community infrastructure as per the requirements of Policy 46 'Social and Community Infrastructure'. Developer contributions threshold for this infrastructure will be set out in the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD); E. Encouraging social interaction through the delivery of safe, accessible and inclusive places (see Policy 53 'Delivering High Quality Design'); F. Encouraging child-friendly design of places; G. Encouraging new major commercial developments in Walthamstow Town Centre, designated District Centres and other highly accessible locations to incorporate social infrastructure such as free drinking fountains and free publicly accessible toilets as part of the development; H. Supporting the enhancement of and inclusive access to public green and open spaces, sports and recreation facilities (see Policy 78 'Parks, Open Spaces and Recreation'); I. Encouraging food growing within the borough, and protecting existing allotments to support the provision of food growing spaces (see Policy 84 'Food Growing and Allotments'); and J. Enhancing the value of waterways for leisure and recreation to promote health and well-being for communities (see Policy 83 'Protecting and Enhancing Waterways and River Corridors').

Health Impact Assessments

All development meeting the thresholds set out below will be expected to submit a Health Impact Assessment (HIA): A. Major development within an Air Quality Management Area; B. Developments which contain any of the following uses: i. Hot food takeaways; ii. Betting shops; iii. Casinos and amusement arcades; and/or iv. Pay-day loan shops; C. Developments of a scale referable to the Greater London Authority (as set out in legislation).

Parks, Open Spaces and Recreation

Existing parks and open spaces will be preserved and enhanced, and access for leisure, sporting activity and recreation across the borough will be improved by: A. Ensuring adequate provision, protection, enhancement and quality of play and recreational spaces, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and parks for all sections and age groups of the community; B. Preserving the existing level of provision of playing pitches, in line with any future review, in accordance with the Council's Playing Pitch Strategy; C. Ensuring that all parks within the borough will be enhanced and retained in accordance with the Council's 'Parks and Open Spaces Strategy' and Green and Blue Spaces Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Development proposals in parks and open spaces will only be acceptable where they are ancillary to the open space use and its inherent character. In addition and where relevant, proposals must demonstrate that they would have no adverse impacts to the setting or visual appearance of the park or open space, its heritage significance and/or its ecological value; D. Expecting residential and mixed use proposals to contribute to the provision of high quality and accessible exercise, play and recreational facilities either on- or off-site, based on child yields in accordance with the Mayor of London's current standards; E. Refusing planning permission for schemes which would result in a net loss of open space or sports facilities and requiring proposals for new development to provide new, and/or contribute to enhancing the quality of existing open spaces, indoor/outdoor sports facilities, playing pitches and/or their associated ancillary facilities and access, taking account of priorities set out in the Council's Playing Pitch Strategy where appropriate; F. Requiring the submission of management and maintenance plans as a requirement of planning permission for all new sports and recreation facilities; G. Encouraging opportunities to provide ancillary facilities to enhance the attractiveness and experience of using open spaces, such as cafes, toilets and other facilities.

Co-Location Design Principles

To be supported, proposals involving co-location will need to demonstrate: A. High quality and innovative design approaches to create a buffer and separation between any heavy or intensive industrial uses and adjacent non-industrial uses; and B. Appropriate design mitigations which address the following: i. Safety and security; ii. Layout, orientation, access, servicing and delivery arrangements of uses, including refuse; iii. Design quality, public realm, visual impact and amenity for residents; iv. Vibration and noise; v. Air quality including dust, odour and emissions; and vi. Agent of Change principles.

Shopfronts and Signage

Permission will be granted for new shop fronts and signs which comply with all of the following: A. The design is related to the scale, proportion and appearance of the host building and respects the character of the area or parade where the proposal is located; B. The design is in-keeping with standards for the local area or parade as being promoted under relevant shopfront improvement schemes; C. The design retains and/or where practicable provides a separate entrance to upper floor accommodation (where this is separate from the ground floor use); D. Principal entrances to upper floor accommodation avoid the rear of buildings, where practicable, as this can give rise to personal safety and security issues; E. The design incorporates measures to improve or maintain access for all users; and F. An appropriately designed shutter is provided (where necessary). Applicants should note that there are additional controls relating to advertisements and signs in Conservation Areas.

Delivering High Quality Design

Development proposals will be supported where they: A. Achieve appropriate intensification in line with Policy 8 'Character-Led Intensification'; B. Explore the benefits of land assembly and/or coordinated development where appropriate; C. Deliver the benefits of cohesive, high quality design through the use of masterplans or similar approaches; D. Demonstrate clearly how the proposal responds to the design principles and framework(s) set out in the relevant national, area neighbourhood, or site-specific design guides and/or design codes; E. Reinforce and/or enhance local character and distinctiveness, taking into account existing patterns of development, townscape, skyline, urban form and grain, building typologies, architecture, materials, trees and landscaping and other features of local and historical significance; F. Respond appropriately to their context in terms of scale, height, and massing; G. Achieve exemplar quality of design, and architecture and landscaping that respects its context whilst encouraging innovation and not unduly restricting style; H. Use high quality materials and detailing which are attractive, durable and sustainable; I. Provide appropriate safe and legible physical and visual connections that knit well into surrounding streets, routes and public realm, including, where appropriate, neighbouring development proposals; J. Incorporate high quality landscaping, tree planting and urban greening measures to maximise biodiversity and ecological value in accordance with Policy 77 'Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment', Policy 78 ' Parks, Open Spaces and Recreation ', Policy 79 'Biodiversity and Geodiversity' and Policy 80 'Trees'; K. Provide a coherent layout and block structure with active street frontages onto the public realm; L. Establish a clear distinction between public and private spaces; M. Provide an appropriate amount of well designed, suitably located and usable private and communal amenity space; N. Provide tree-lined streets and multi-functional green spaces at ground, podium, and roof level (as appropriate), through a well integrated soft landscaping scheme that has been fully considered from the initial stages of design and makes satisfactory provision for future growth and aftercare; O. Facilitate inclusive, safe and accessible environments for all; P. Incorporate design measures that increase climate change resilience, including in relation to energy use, surface water management, microclimate control, waste management, air and noise pollution; Q. Maximise the versatility, adaptability and sustainability of both buildings and open spaces in order to accommodate present and future requirements; R. Are fit for purpose and demonstrate careful consideration of the needs of all building users; S. For residential schemes of ten homes and above, address the Homes England Building for a Healthy Life (BHL) criteria, and for all major applications, address the ten principles of Active Design, as published by Sport England and supported by Public Health England; and T. Maintain approved design quality from the granting of planning permission through to completion of the scheme.

Tall Buildings

In some identified locations, tall buildings may be supported subject to meeting the requirements of this policy and the other requirements of this Plan. For the purposes of these policy tests, the definition of a tall building in the borough is any building of 10 storeys or more, or any building that measures 30m or more from ground level. A. Tall buildings will only be supported on certain sites identified for a Transition or Transformation approach to character intensification, in line with Policy 8 'Character-Led Intensification'. These sites have been identified in Figure 14.1. The acceptability of tall buildings on these sites remains subject to thorough contextual analysis, a robust placemaking strategy, and assessment against all relevant policy tests in the Development Plan. B. In general, the appropriate range of heights for new tall buildings is between 10 and 17 storeys in height. On some Transformation sites however, there may be the opportunity to exceed this and, subject to contextual analysis, a robust placemaking strategy, and assessment against all relevant policy tests, buildings of 18 storeys or more may be acceptable. Indicative ranges of potentially acceptable heights for these sites will be provided in Local Plan Part 2 - Site Allocations. C. In other limited circumstances, a tall building may be supported on a site outside those sites identified in Figure 14.1, but only where a Tall Buildings Assessment (which has been undertaken and endorsed by the Council prior to the determination of a relevant planning application) demonstrates that: i. The site is located within a Strategic Location; ii. The site benefits from good local public transport connectivity; iii. The site is appropriate for a Transition or Transformation approach to character-led intensification; iv. All relevant policy tests have been undertaken and assessed against appropriate contextual analysis and a robust placemaking strategy; and v. A tall building(s) on the site would be able to fully satisfy all policy requirements and deliver Exemplar Design, having regard to the considerations below (including Visual Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Functional Impacts and Cumulative Impacts); Such sites will be identified in Local Plan Part 2 - Site Allocations and/or other subsequent Development Plan Documents. D. Where justified in accordance with criteria A to C, tall buildings will be supported where they achieve Exemplar Design, having regard to the following considerations, in addition to those set out in Policy 53 'Delivering High Quality Design' and Policy 55 'Building Heights'. Visual Impacts i. Impact on the existing character and townscape of their surroundings considered in long-range, mid-range and immediate views; ii. Impact on the existing streetscape, including the provision of active frontages and sufficient, high quality public realm at ground level; iii. Impact on the existing, and where relevant emerging, skyline; iv. Contribution to existing and proposed spatial networks and hierarchies, wayfinding, and legibility; v. Impact on heritage assets, their settings, and views to and from them including the background zones of views identified in the London View Management Framework (LVMF); vi. Exemplar quality of architecture and design with careful attention paid to form and proportionality, materials, finishes, and details; Environmental Impacts vii. Avoidance of harmful overshadowing or other impacts that would compromise the comfort and enjoyment of surrounding public open space, private or communal outdoor spaces, private amenity of neighbouring properties, watercourses and canals; viii. Avoidance of harmful environmental impacts in relation to overcrowding, overheating, wind movement, solar glare, microclimatic conditions, air, noise and light pollution and bird and bat strikes; ix. Use of sustainable design, materials and construction methods; Functional Impacts x. Demonstration of the safety of all occupants, including considerations such as internal and external design, construction detailing, materiality, and emergency exit routes; xi. The impacts of servicing, maintenance, and building management on safety, quality, and enjoyment of the surrounding public realm; xii. Connection to public transport, walking and cycling networks and access to nearby facilities such as shops, community facilities and social infrastructure; xiii. The avoidance of interference to aviation, navigation and/or telecommunications; Cumulative Impacts xiv. The cumulative visual, functional, and environmental impacts of proposed, consented and planned tall buildings in the surrounding area.

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'. 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.

Amenity

New development should respect the amenity of existing and future occupiers, neighbours and the surrounding area by: A. Avoiding harmful impacts from overlooking, enclosure and/or the loss of privacy, outlook and daylight/sunlight; B. Avoiding harmful impacts from poor microclimate conditions, air pollution, odour, noise and vibration and/or light pollution; and C. Providing sufficient facilities for the storage, collection and disposal of refuse, considering the level and type of provision, its location, and any negative impacts it may have on visual amenity, access, health and security.

Making Places Safer and Designing Out Crime

To improve community safety and cohesion the Council will work with partners to: A. Minimise opportunities for criminal behaviour by requiring all forms of new development to incorporate Designing out Crime and Secured by Design principles, and requiring all major development to seek to achieve for Secured By Design accreditation via the Secured by Design scheme; B. Coordinate land uses to minimise the likelihood of an increase in crime and disorder; and C. Promote safer streets and public realm improvements throughout the borough, where necessary in liaison with the Metropolitan Police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs), Traffic Management Unit (TMU) and with the British Transport Police (BTP).

Advertisements, Hoardings and Signage

Proposals for advertisements, hoardings and signage should: A. Be well integrated into the public realm, allowing for ease of pedestrian access and highway safety, and avoiding the creation of street clutter; B. Complement the character, context and visual amenity of the surrounding area and not result in harm to the significance of heritage assets and their settings; C. Avoid negatively impacting any host building and/or the surrounding local area through visual dominance and overbearing impact; D. Avoid creating a proliferation of advertisements; E. Avoid interference to existing views from adjacent properties; and F. Avoid flashing illumination both internally and externally, and minimise the impact of light pollution on adjacent properties.

Character-Led Intensification

Opportunities for intensification of development involving housing and employment uses will be promoted at appropriate locations, justified in accordance with the following approach: A. Reinforcement: applicable to sites/areas with robust and desirable character where opportunities for redevelopment will involve modest intensification; B. Transition: applicable to sites/areas where considerable intensification would be justified, resulting in some change in existing character; and C. Transformation: applicable to sites/areas with a fragmented urban grain, where a transformative approach to intensification and change to existing character can be justified to deliver substantially more development.

Supporting Economic Growth and Jobs

Opportunities for employment growth in Waltham Forest will be maximised to ensure there is sufficient capacity to deliver a minimum of 52,000sqm of additional employment floorspace across the borough, and protect the borough's Strategic Industrial Location (SIL) capacity over the Plan Period by: A. Focusing the delivery of new Class E Part G iii, B2 and B8 floorspace in Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL), Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS) and non-designated employment sites; B. Focusing the delivery of Class E Part G i and ii floorspace in Borough Employment Areas (BEA) and designated Town Centres; C. Supporting the delivery of a range of employment typologies in suitable locations across the borough: i. Distribution uses – storage and distribution floorspace (B8) in locations within good proximity of the strategic road network; ii. Industrial Space – light industrial uses (Class E, Part G iii) and the production and distribution of goods (B2) in smaller or sub-divided space within the borough's designated industrial sites; and iii. New London Mix – high density office space (Class E Part G i and ii) ranging from small studio space, flexible co-working spaces to large offices in BEA and designated town centres; and D. Promoting industrial intensification through site allocations in Local Plan Part 2 - Site Allocations, the Industrial Intensification Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the subsequent development of industrial masterplans (in line with Policy 29 'Industrial Masterplan Approach' and London Plan Policy E7 'Industrial intensification, co-location and substitution') to facilitate the intensification and uplift of industrial capacity and the maintenance of existing SIL capacity.

Safeguarding and Managing Change in Strategic Industrial Locations

To safeguard and manage land in Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL): A. The following uses are acceptable: i. Light industrial (Class E Part G iii); ii. General industry (Class B2); iii. Storage or distribution (Class B8); iv. Waste management, secondary materials, and aggregates (Class B2 / B8 / Sui Generis); v. Utilities infrastructure (such as energy and water); vi. Land for sustainable transport functions including intermodal freight interchanges, rail and bus infrastructure; vii. Wholesale markets; viii. Emerging industrial-related sectors; ix. Flexible hybrid space (Class E Part G iii / B2 / B8); x. Low cost industrial and related space for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); xi. Research and development of industrial and related products or processes; and xii. Uses ancillary to the above; B. New development will be supported on SIL where it: i. Provides improved high-quality, fit for purpose industrial space and infrastructure; ii. Allows for future flexibility, including future subdivision and/or amalgamation for a range of employment uses; and iii. Provides either the full replacement or the intensification of existing industrial capacity. Landowners should, where appropriate, work with landowners of adjacent sites in order to make the most efficient use of land.

Safeguarding and Managing Change in Locally Significant Industrial Sites

To safeguard and manage land in Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS): A. The following uses are acceptable: i. Light industrial (Class E Part G iii); ii. General industry (Class B2); iii. Storage or distribution (Class B8); iv. Waste management, secondary materials, and aggregates (Class B2 / B8 / Sui Generis); v. Utilities infrastructure (such as energy and water); vi. Land for sustainable transport functions including intermodal freight interchanges, rail and bus infrastructure; vii. Wholesale markets; viii. Emerging industrial-related sectors; ix. Flexible hybrid space (Class E Part G iii / B2 / B8); x. Low cost industrial and related space for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); xi. Research and development of industrial and related products or processes; and xii. Uses ancillary to the above; B. New development will be supported on LSIS, where it: i. Provides improved high-quality, fit for purpose industrial space and infrastructure; and ii. Allows for future flexibility, including future subdivision and /or amalgamation for a range of employment uses; and iii. Provides either the full replacement or the intensification of existing industrial capacity. Landowners should, where appropriate, work with landowners of adjacent sites in order to make the most efficient use of land; or iv. Successfully delivers intensified industrial floorspace capacity through co-location of industrial and non-industrial uses, as identified through an industrial masterplanning process in line with Policy 29 'Industrial Masterplan Approach'.

Safeguarding and Managing Change in Borough Employment Areas

To safeguard and manage land in Borough Employment Areas (BEA): A. The following uses will be supported: i. Offices (Class E Part G i), subject to compliance with Policy 39 'New Retail, Office and Leisure Developments'; ii. Workspaces (Class E Part G); iii. Research and development of products or processes (Class E Part G ii); and iv. Uses ancillary to the above; B. New development will be supported where it: i. Provides improved high-quality, fit for purpose employment space and infrastructure; ii. Allows for future flexibility, including future subdivision and/or amalgamation for a range of employment uses; and iii. Provides either the full replacement or the intensification of existing employment capacity. Landowners should, where appropriate, work with landowners of adjacent sites in order to make the most efficient use of land.

Approach to Non-Designated Employment Land

Development for industrial, business and related uses (including creative and artists' workspace) will be supported in non-designated employment areas where it provides fit for purpose and high-quality employment space and upgrades existing poor quality or old stock. Development which seeks to introduce residential or mixed-use elements to non-designated employment locations will only be supported where: A. It uses the Agent of Change principle to mitigate design and sensitivity impacts (see Policy 30 'Co-Location Design Principles'); and B. It provides replacement or intensified employment floorspace, with the quantum of any existing industrial, storage, or distribution floorspace being - as a minimum - fully re-provided as an industrial use; or C. The scope for mixed-use intensification with employment uses has been explored fully and any loss of floorspace is justified with reference to marketing evidence of at least 12 months demonstrating no reasonable prospect of the site being retained in business or industrial uses; or D. The proposal accords with an adopted allocation in a Development Plan Document for residential or mixed-use development.

Industrial Masterplan Approach

Industrial masterplans can support the intensification of existing industrial functions to provide additional industrial capacity. The proposed introduction of non-industrial uses within designated industrial sites must be supported by an industrial masterplan approach. Masterplans will be required to: A. Be delivered in partnership with and by agreement of the Council and the GLA; B. Take a comprehensive approach and cover the extent of an entire SIL or LSIS; C. Not lead to any loss in industrial capacity across the SIL or LSIS, and must seek to provide a net increase of industrial floorspace capacity; D. Achieve industrial intensification ahead of delivering any non-industrial uses, taking an 'industrial first' approach to phasing; E. Be informed by an up-to-date audit of the designated location and evidence covering employment land needs, wider spatial context, land ownerships, partnerships and engagement, and infrastructure requirements; F. Be supported by a viability and delivery plan; G. Set out how existing businesses will be retained through a retention and relocation strategy; H. Be supported by a servicing and management strategy; and I. Be developed according to a two-stage process: a. Stage 1: Based on up-to-date evidence, including a full audit of the designated site, and appropriate engagement with landowners and existing businesses, identify the sub-areas within the SIL/LSIS to be 'areas of intensification and consolidation' and, where relevant, those proposed as 'areas of change'. These sub areas must be agreed and approved with the GLA and the Council before progressing to Stage 2. b. Stage 2: Further develop the agreed masterplan for the entirety of the SIL/LSIS and produce detailed sub-area masterplans, which together demonstrate how the industrial capacity outlined in Stage 1 will be achieved. At this stage, in line with Policy 53 'Delivering High Quality Design', consideration should be given to land assembly and opportunity for coordinated development. Following the agreement of a two-stage masterplan with the Council and the GLA, any resultant boundary changes to relevant industrial designations are required to be reflected in the next Development Plan Document (DPD) to be prepared.

Workspaces

The provision of workspaces will be supported where they: A. Are located in Strategic Industrial Locations (SIL), Locally Significant Industrial Sites (LSIS), Borough Employment Areas (BEA); Town Centres; Strategic Locations or as part of regeneration projects; B. Provide uses in line with Policy 25 'Safeguarding and Managing Change in Strategic Industrial Locations', Policy 26 'Safeguarding and Managing Change in Locally Significant Industrial Sites' and Policy 27 'Safeguarding and Managing Change in Borough Employment Areas', as appropriate; C. Deliver high quality, well designed, flexible and adaptable spaces of different sizes and types for a range of uses and occupants; D. Can be demonstrated to be meeting the requirements of intended end users, where identified; E. Provide a fit out which is finished to a standard meeting the essential requirements of the intended end-user, where such a user has been identified and fit out is appropriate; F. Provide affordable workspace in line with Policy 32 'Affordable Workspace'.

Affordable Workspace

Affordable workspaces are workspaces which are provided at rents maintained below the market rate for that space, for a specific social, cultural, or economic development purpose, and secured in perpetuity or for a period of at least 15 years by legal agreement. The delivery of affordable workspaces will be required to be provided: A. As part of the delivery of new employment floorspace of 1000sqm or greater in SIL, LSIS, BEA and in town centres, where viable; B. As part of major mixed use developments in town centres, in Strategic Locations or as part of regeneration schemes, where viable; C. On-site, with a payment in lieu to be sought where this is not possible.

Local Jobs, Skills, Training and Procurement

Economic and employment benefits for local residents and businesses will be secured by requiring: A. All development where there is a loss of employment floorspace to provide jobs, skills and training for local residents via Section 106 contributions as set out in the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD); B. All developments of 25 homes or more to provide jobs, skills and training for local residents via Section 106 contributions as set out in the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD); and C. Supporting procurement of local businesses as set out in the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD); D. Supporting the provision of a broad range of employment and training opportunities across a variety of sectors available to local residents, including in the construction and operational phase of new developments; and E. Supporting the growth of existing and future start-ups, SMEs and business in key growth sectors.

Railway Arches

New development in the borough's railway arches will be encouraged by: A. Supporting industrial uses in railway arches located in SIL and LSIS in line with Policy 25 'Safeguarding and Managing Change in Strategic Industrial Locations' and Policy 26 'Safeguarding and Managing Change in Locally Significant Industrial Sites', and the introduction of other uses, including those falling within Class E and drinking establishments, as part of an agreed two-stage industrial masterplan; B. Supporting current and future B2, B8, Class E, and drinking establishment uses in arches outside of designated employment locations especially with proximity to stations, in Town Centres, or as part of wider regeneration schemes; C. Promoting improvements to the appearance of railway arches through upgrades, active frontages and improvements to access and the public realm; D. Supporting development that does not have an adverse impact on the railway line; E. Ensuring development does not interfere with the safe movement of pedestrians, cyclists or traffic on the public highway and pedestrian public realm; and F. Ensuring new development adopts suitable design mitigations in line with Policy 57 'Amenity'.

Blackhorse Lane Creative Enterprise Zone

Development in the Blackhorse Lane Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) is expected to: A. Deliver affordable workspace in line with Policy 31 'Workspaces' and Policy 32 'Affordable Workspace'; B. Explore the opportunity for cultural uses within the CEZ, where compliant with other related policies within the Plan; C. Explore the opportunity to use temporarily vacant buildings and sites for meanwhile uses, creative workspaces and other cultural uses; D. Ensure that new development adheres to the Agent of Change principle as set out in London Plan Policy D13 'Agent of Change'; E. Maximise opportunities to improve digital infrastructure in the CEZ in line with Policy 69 'Digital Infrastructure'; and F. Support the delivery of creative jobs in the CEZ in line with Policy 33 'Local Jobs, Skills, Training and Procurement'.

A Zero Carbon Borough

Greenhouse gas emissions will be minimised, the borough's carbon footprint will be reduced and energy efficiency within developments will be maximised by: A. Requiring all development to promote low carbon energy generation and maximise the opportunity for renewable energy following the London Plan energy hierarchy; B. Requiring all development of more than one home or greater than 100sqm to be supported by an Energy Assessment (for major development schemes this must be undertaken in accordance with GLA's latest Energy Assessment Guidance) setting out energy information for the development to demonstrate compliance with the following: i. All new major development must meet or exceed the net zero-carbon emissions target in line with the London Plan energy hierarchy and in line with best practice guidance including the GLA's latest energy planning guidance. ii. All new build development of more than one home or greater than 100sqm must achieve a minimum of 35% reduction below Part L of the Building Regulations on-site, targeting net zero carbon where possible, in line with the London Plan energy hierarchy and with best practice guidance, including the GLA's Energy Planning Guidance. Development should meet the following London Plan 'Be Lean' stage (energy efficiency) carbon reduction targets before other measures are incorporated to meet the overall 35% reduction target, achieving a minimum of: a. 10% reduction below Part L of the Building Regulations for residential development; b. 15% reduction below Part L of the Building Regulations for non-residential development; iii. Carbon Offset Fund (COF) contributions will then be required for any shortfall in emission reductions; C. Preparing energy masterplans for large scale development locations in accordance with the criteria set out in London Plan Policy SI3 'Energy Infrastructure' Part B. Energy masterplans should identify: i. Major heat loads (including anchor heat loads, with particular reference to sites such as universities, hospitals and social housing); ii. Heat loads from existing buildings that can be connected to future phases of a heat network; iii. Major heat supply plant including opportunities to utilise heat from energy from waste plants; iv. Secondary heat sources, including both environmental and waste heat; v. Opportunities for low temperature heat networks; vi. Possible land for energy centres and/or energy storage; vii. Possible heating and cooling network routes; viii. Opportunities for futureproofing utility infrastructure networks to minimise the impact from road works; ix. Infrastructure and land requirements for electricity and gas supplies; x. Implementation options for delivering feasible projects, considering issues of procurement, funding and risk, and the role of the public sector; and xi. Opportunities to maximise renewable electricity generation and incorporate demand-side response measures.

Decentralised Energy

A. To maximise use of low carbon heating systems, all development in the following categories should install a communal heating system and either connect to an existing district heating network (where one exists) or 'future-proof' the system by ensuring the development is able to connect to a district heating network in the future: i. All major development; and ii. All development of one or more homes, or greater than 100sqm, that is located within 200m of an existing, proposed or committed future district heating network; B. Unless demonstrated to the Local Planning Authority's written satisfaction that such a connection is not feasible or viable, in line with the GLA's latest energy assessment guidance.

Sustainable Design and Construction

A. The design, construction and operation of all new development should be informed by the latest London Plan and associated guidance, and development proposals should clearly demonstrate how they integrate sustainable design standards. B. In line with the requirements below, applications for residential development of one or more new homes, or non-residential development of greater that 100sqm are required to submit a Sustainability Statement to demonstrate compliance with the following planning policy objectives: i. Ensuring that non-residential development greater than 100sqm achieves a minimum of BREEAM 'very good' (or equivalent) standards, and encouraging major non-residential development to achieve 'excellent' (or equivalent); ii. Encouraging residential development to target higher standards of sustainability, including the Home Quality Mark and Passivhaus or equivalent; iii. Ensuring that development of one or more homes, or greater than 100sqm, is designed according to sustainable development principles to achieve zero-carbon targets in line with the London Plan and Policy 85 'A Zero Carbon Borough'; iv. Adopting sustainable construction and demolition methods, including using sustainably sourced, reused and recycled materials and where feasible demolished material from the development site; v. Controlling and monitoring dust, NOx, PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from development aligned with measures set out in Policy 88 'Air Pollution'; vi. Maximising Urban Greening and blue and green infrastructure measures, and incorporating 'living building' principles into new and existing developments, including measures to improve biodiversity; vii. Minimising waste during the construction and operation phases of development in line with the Circular Economy Statement and Whole Lifecycle Carbon assessment, as required by the London Plan, to cover the whole lifecycle of the development on referable schemes; viii. Providing a clear strategy for adequate waste and recycling storage and collection facilities; and ix. Supporting the appropriate low-carbon retrofitting of existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions beyond building regulations requirements, through energy efficient design of the site, buildings and services.

Noise, Vibration and Light Pollution

Noise, vibration and light pollution will be assessed and minimised by: A. Requiring applicants to demonstrate the impact of their proposed development on the noise environment and, where appropriate, provide a Noise Assessment. The layout, orientation, design and use of buildings should ensure that operational noise does not adversely affect neighbours, particularly noise-sensitive land uses such as housing, hospitals, schools and quiet open spaces; B. Requiring proposals and supporting Noise Assessments to have regard to the Agent of Change principle, as set out in London Plan Policies D13 'Agent of Change' and D14 'Noise', and to minimise any potential noise conflict between existing activities and new development. Where the avoidance of noise conflicts is impractical or unavoidable, mitigation measures such as noise attenuation and restrictions on operating hours should be implemented, and will be secured through appropriate planning conditions; C. Requiring noise and vibration from deconstruction and construction activities to be minimised and, where necessary, mitigation measures put in place to limit noise and vibration disturbance in the vicinity of the development; D. Requiring developers to ensure that noise is reduced to an acceptable level, in line with the appropriate British Standard, during construction and operation, through the use of attenuation, distance, screening, or layout/orientation in accordance with London Plan Policy D14 'Noise'; E. Ensuring that appropriate design measures are taken with external lighting schemes so they are contained and only illuminate intended areas; and F. Resisting developments where floodlighting or external lighting would cause unacceptable levels of light pollution, by applying the standards and guidelines set out in the Institute of Lighting Engineers Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light.

Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment

A. Proposals will only be supported where they preserve and enhance green and blue infrastructure and access to open spaces by: i. Protecting Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and other open space of designated importance from inappropriate development and improving active access for walking and cycling where appropriate; ii. Delivering development and regeneration activity principally through the use of brownfield land and buildings; and iii. Delivering the principles, strategies, investment and interventions set out in the Green and Blue Spaces Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). B. In the event that development proposals are allowed in very special circumstances in Green Belt or MOL within the meaning of national policy and the London Plan, they should: i. Implement an exemplar standard of design in accordance with the principles set out in 'Creating High Quality Places'; ii. Complement and improve the quality of existing open space uses and landscaping; iii. Enhance the green and blue infrastructure network through better connectivity and the creation of new open spaces, whilst also conserving its natural and historic value; iv. Establish and/or extend the borough's Greenways and Green Corridors, and provide landscaping along transport routes where possible; and v. Design new development adjacent to existing Green Chains and Green Corridors in a way that contributes positively towards the green infrastructure network. C. All major development must be designed to maximise opportunities for urban greening (as defined within London Plan Policy G5 'Urban greening') through appropriate landscaping schemes and planting of trees. D. All development proposals should enhance the value of existing open spaces by: i. Responding to the character and significance of the space; ii. Optimising physical and visual access between development and open space; iii. Increasing biodiversity value. E. New high quality and usable open spaces and/or landscape infrastructure must be provided in major new developments. Where new development cannot contribute to usable open space provision or landscaping on-site, or provision is deemed insufficient to the scale and nature of the development, financial contributions will be sought for the ongoing maintenance of public open space. F. Proposals for new areas of open space and landscape provision must be accompanied by a maintenance plan for adopted and non-adopted areas as a requirement of planning permission to ensure their long-term successful establishment. G. Any improvements to access routes or green corridors should not result in any adverse effects on the integrity of the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (see Policy 81 'Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation').

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

Proposals should seek to protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity resources in the borough and achieve biodiversity net gain by: A. Maximising opportunities to create new, or make improvements to existing natural environments, nature conservation areas, habitats or biodiversity features and links into the wider green infrastructure network, and contributing to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy; B. Undertaking a biodiversity survey of the site and submitting it in support of all major planning applications; C. Avoiding and minimising the impacts of development on biodiversity in accordance with the London Plan mitigation hierarchy; D. Demonstrating a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain using the Defra Biodiversity Metric 2.0 (or subsequent version), even where development proposals do not result in biodiversity loss; E. Preparing a long-term monitoring and maintenance plan for biodiversity and habitat proposals for a minimum period of 30 years, including both on- and off-site measures; F. Demonstrating that any off-site measures proposed seek to enhance locally important priorities with reference to the Green and Blue Spaces Supplementary Planning Document (SPD); G. Providing measures support species and habitats through the use of landscaping on or adjacent to buildings. This may involve the inclusion of living roofs and walls and other measures (such as bird boxes) which provide space for species to nest, roost or hibernate; H. Temporarily protecting vacant or derelict land awaiting redevelopment that has some value for nature conservation; I. Improving public access to areas of nature conservation (where appropriate), especially in areas of deficiency. J. Submitting an arboricultural report at the planning application stage where a development proposal will impact on trees (see Policy 80 'Trees'); K. Protecting and enhancing the nature conservation or geological interest of nationally important wildlife sites, as shown on the Policies Map. Development proposals will not normally be granted planning permission where they pose adverse direct or indirect effects on the biodiversity or nature conservation value of any land or area within the identified Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Ramsar sites, or Special Protection Areas (SPA) without appropriate mitigation measures being secured prior to development. These sites are shown on the Policies Map and include but are not limited to the Walthamstow Reservoirs Special Protection Area, Walthamstow Wetlands and Walthamstow Marshes Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Epping Forest SAC; L. Retaining, restoring and enhancing features of geological interest on sites designated for their geodiversity value. Development proposals which would cause harm to a site designated for its geodiversity value will be resisted, unless any damaging impacts can be prevented by appropriate mitigation measures.

Trees

A. Development proposals must retain and protect significant existing trees, including: i. Those with high amenity value and those which have scope for screening other properties/features; and ii. Veteran, ancient and notable trees. B. Development proposals will only be supported where they: i. Take particular account of existing trees on the site and on adjoining land; ii. Retain trees of significant amenity, historic or ecological/habitat conservation value; iii. Would not give rise to any threat, immediate or long term, to the continued well-being of trees of significant amenity, historic or ecological/habitat conservation value; iv. Demonstrate that retained trees can be satisfactorily protected from construction impacts and site works; and v. Positively integrate retained trees as part of a well-considered, sustainable soft landscaping scheme. C. In exceptional circumstances, and only where sufficient evidence is provided to justify their loss, significant existing trees may be removed. In these instances, development proposals will only be supported where they: i. Re-provide the amenity, canopy, habitat and biomass of the existing trees through the planting of significant mature trees within the proposed scheme; or ii. Calculate the full Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) value of any trees lost and make appropriate mitigating financial contributions, which will be redirected towards local green infrastructure provision as set out in the Green and Blue Spaces and Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).

Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation

In line with the Green and Blue Spaces Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), the Council will protect and enhance the natural environment of the Epping Forest and its Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and seek to ensure that development proposals contribute to the avoidance and mitigation of adverse recreational and urban effects on the SAC by ensuring that: A. All new residential development comprising 1 or more new home(s) within the 6.2km Zone of Influence (ZOI) of the boundary of the Epping Forest SAC (see the Policies Map) contributes to the delivery of: i. The Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) in line with the mitigation measures agreed with the Conservators of Epping Forest and partner authorities; and ii. The provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Spaces (SANGs), in most cases via Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding secured to make the necessary investment in open space. B. Development proposals affecting Epping Forest and the Epping Forest SAC are sensitive and proportionate, that they deliver enhancements where possible and that they do not contribute to adverse impacts on ecological integrity, amenity or visitor enjoyment; C. All planning applications and allocations of one new home or more in the 6.2km ZOI of the Epping Forest SAC demonstrate, through a project level Habitats and Regulations Assessment (HRA), that they will not generate adverse recreational pressure on the Epping Forest SAC. D. Planning applications and allocations for development within 400m of the Epping Forest SAC demonstrate, through a project level Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA), that the development will not generate adverse urban effects on the integrity of the SAC.

The Lee Valley Regional Park

A. Development proposals which affect the Lee Valley Regional Park will be required to: i. Include measures for the protection, enhancement and where possible, the extension of the borough's network of Green Corridors; ii. Improve access and links to the park and its waterways; and iii. Be sensitive and proportionate, and not contribute to adverse impacts on amenity, ecological integrity or visitor enjoyment. Proposals will be expected to deliver enhancements where possible. The Council supports the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority's Park Development Framework. The content of the Lee Valley Park Development Framework, as adopted, is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. B. Development proposals will not normally be granted planning permission where they pose adverse direct or indirect effects on any land or area identified with the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (SPA)/Ramsar. Development that affects the Lee Valley SPA/Ramsar will be expected to contribute to the mitigation of any adverse effects on the SPA/Ramsar. C. Planning applications for development at Blackhorse Lane will need to be accompanied by a project level Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) to ensure the development will not generate adverse urban effects on the integrity of the Lee Valley SPA/Ramsar.

Protecting and Enhancing Waterways and River Corridors

Proposals affecting waterways should: A. Result in no deterioration of Water Framework Directive waterbodies and ensure that all adverse impacts on waterbodies are mitigated and that environmental net benefits are achieved; B. Obtain an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency for works in, under, over and adjacent to watercourses; and C. Ensure the use by freight transport is not inhibited and where possible increased. Buffer zones of at least 8m for main rivers and 5m for ordinary water courses should be established and left free of any permanent structures. Where it is not possible to do so, strong justification should be provided. Where provided, buffer zones should be carefully integrated with new developments, so they do not create dead spaces.

Food Growing and Allotments

Existing allotments are accorded the highest level of protection in this Plan. A. There should be no net loss of allotment sites, and the intensification of land currently used to grow food will be supported where management arrangements allow. B. Development proposals will be expected to contribute to the supply, quality and accessibility of private and communal spaces on which to grow food and flowers. This may be in the form of financial or on-site contributions. On-site contributions must be supported by a maintenance plan at application stage.

Air Pollution

New development should ensure the avoidance of any adverse air pollution impacts and aim to improve air quality in the borough by: A. Ensuring development meets, and where possible improves upon, air quality neutral standards over its lifetime and does not contribute to a decrease in air quality during the construction or operation stage; B. Undertaking Air Quality Assessments (AQAs) for the following types of development: i. All major development, unless there is clear evidence that transport and building emissions will be less than the existing use; ii. Development in areas of substandard air quality and changes of use which would result in the introduction of sensitive receptors to areas of poor air quality; iii. Development in close proximity to sensitive uses; and iv. Developments which involve significant demolition and construction; C. Ensuring development is air quality positive in Air Quality Focus Areas; D. Assessing existing air quality and avoiding locating sensitive uses in areas exposed to air pollution; E. Minimising exposure to air pollution through the considered positioning and design of new development, considering private, communal, public open space and child play spaces; F. Incorporating on-site measures to improve air quality, or, where it can be demonstrated that on-site provision is impractical or inappropriate, securing off-site measures to improve local air quality, subject to the demonstration of equivalent air quality benefits; and G. Ensuring that where major application proposals would not achieve the air quality neutral benchmark, the applicant will be expected to make a financial contribution as set out in the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Water Quality and Water Resources

New development should prevent any adverse impacts on water quality and water supply by: A. Ensuring no deterioration of water quality. Where development is seen to have the potential to cause adverse effects on water quality, appropriate mitigation to alleviate risk must be provided; B. Ensuring developments include water efficiency measures including rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and smart-metering; C. Requiring development to be designed to be water efficient and reduce water consumption. Refurbishments and other non-domestic development will be expected to achieve maximum water credits in BREEAM or equivalent. Residential development must not exceed a maximum water use of 105 litres per head per day (excluding the allowance of up to 5 litres for external water consumption). Planning conditions will be applied to new residential development to ensure that the water efficiency standards are met; and D. Working with infrastructure providers (Policy 68 'Utilities Infrastructure') to protect existing water and sewerage infrastructure and manage pressure on combined sewer networks.

Contaminated Land

In order to manage contaminated land and prevent the spread of contamination: A. Site investigation and desk-based research should be undertaken, and a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA) should be submitted with all planning applications in line with current guidance for new developments proposed on contaminated or potentially contaminated land; B. New development must address the impacts of contaminated land on on/off-site sensitive receptors through proportionate action(s) during the construction phase and during the operation phase where appropriate, over the entire lifetime of the development. Where necessary, remediation proposals must be agreed to deal with any identified contamination; and C. Development that has the potential to contaminate land, or which is situated in close proximity to Groundwater Source Protection Zones (SPZs) or other sensitive receptors must include mitigation measures to prevent any adverse impacts on people and the environment, and to monitor any impacts where appropriate.

Managing Flood Risk

A. Flood risk will be managed by: i. Ensuring that all site allocations pass the Sequential Test, and where necessary the Exception Test, steering new development to areas with the lowest risk of flooding from all sources. ii. Requiring a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) for all development proposals which are situated in Flood Zone 2 or 3, and for proposals which are situated in Flood Zone 1, which: 1. Are 1 hectare or greater in extent; 2. Involve a change of use to a more vulnerable class; or 3. Are within an area identified as having more critical drainage problems; iii. Requiring site-specific FRAs to provide sufficient detail to assess the risk of flooding to, and arising from, development proposals from all sources, considering flood risk now and in the future. B. As part of the site-specific FRA, development proposals must: i. Carry out a Sequential Test, unless: 1. There is an adopted site allocation and the development proposal is consistent with the proposed use and there have been no significant changes to the known level of flood risk to the site; or 2. The application is for development which is exempt from the Sequential Test; ii. Carry out an Exception Test, where necessary, to ensure the proposed development will provide wider sustainability benefits to the community that outweigh flood risk, and that it will be safe for its lifetime, without increasing flood risk elsewhere and where possible reduce flood risk overall; and iii. Demonstrate a sequential approach to layout within the development site, in order to ensure that the most vulnerable uses within a development are located in the lowest risk parts of the site. C. The site-specific FRA should be proportionate to the anticipated degree of flood risk and must demonstrate how flood risk will be managed and mitigated to ensure the development is safe from flooding and the impacts of climate change for its lifetime. This must include appropriate flood-resistant design and construction, incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), safe management of residual risk, and appropriate emergency planning. D. Development proposals should incorporate SuDS unless there is clear evidence that this would be inappropriate. These must aim to achieve greenfield run-off rates and ensure that surface water run-off is managed as close to its source as possible. E. Where greenfield run-off rates cannot be achieved, a payment in lieu will be secured to mitigate flood risk.

Overheating

To avoid exacerbation of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, improve micro-climate conditions, and provide thermally comfortable environments, overheating will be prevented by: A. Optimising the layout, orientation, materials, technology and design of new development to minimise any adverse impacts on internal and external temperature, reflection, overshadowing, micro-climate and wind movement; B. Ensuring major development proposals follow the cooling hierarchy in alignment with the London Plan, considering future climate change; C. Implementing adequate mitigation measures to minimise overheating, including landscaping, tree planting and the use of blue and green infrastructure; and D. Ensuring all major developments undertake dynamic overheating assessments in line with Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Technical Memorandum 59 (TM59) or equivalent.

Waste Management

Sustainable management of waste will be achieved by: A. Working in partnership with the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) and the North London Boroughs to meet the London Plan apportionment and recycling targets; B. Ensuring compliance with the policies set out in the adopted North London Waste Plan, in particular, to safeguard existing waste sites in Waltham Forest unless compensatory provision is made in the borough or sub-region which maximises waste capacity in line with the provisions of the North London Waste Plan; C. Promoting the prevention and reduction of waste produced in the borough, increasing the reuse of materials wherever possible, and seeking to increase recycling and composting of waste; D. Ensuring that new development, including changes of use, provides accessible, adequate and well designed internal and external storage facilities for residual waste and recycling, following the specification set out in borough's Waste and Recycling Guidance for Developers or any strategy that replaces this; and E. Ensuring that waste is minimised during construction of new developments, encouraging the use of sustainably sourced materials and requiring developments to make on-site provision for the recycling and reuse of construction and demolition waste.

Designated Heritage Assets

Designated heritage assets will be conserved, and where possible enhanced, by: A. Applying a strong presumption in favour of retention and enhancement to ensure the borough's history, identity and sense of place is protected and maintained for existing and future generations; B. Requiring a heritage statement to accompany all applications that affect designated heritage assets, clearly explaining the significance of the asset, how it will be affected by the proposal, and providing clear and convincing justification for any change; C. Giving great weight in the planning process to any harm to designated heritage assets and their settings, irrespective of whether this would amount to substantial harm, total loss or less than substantial harm - all of which will require clear and convincing justification; D. Not permitting development proposals that would lead to either substantial harm to, or the total loss of, designated heritage assets or their settings unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal achieves substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss, or all of the following apply: i. The nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; ii. No viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; iii. Conservation by grant funding or some form of charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible; and iv. The harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use; E. Not permitting development proposals that would lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset or its setting unless the public benefit of the proposal, including securing the optimum viable use of the site, outweigh the harm caused; F. In cases where loss of a designated heritage asset may be justified in accordance with the above and national policy, only granting planning consent when acceptable plans for redevelopment have been agreed, and where all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the new development will proceed after the loss has occurred; G. Supporting proposals that sensitively and creatively bring designated heritage assets and/or their settings back into use whilst still maintaining their significance; H. Where a non-designated asset of archaeological interest is identified via desk-based or field-based assessment work, and is assessed to be of demonstrably equal significance to a scheduled monument, treating it as a designated asset, subject to the conditions of this policy; and I. Where a developer contribution is sought toward designated heritage assets, notably in cases of enabling development or conservation of archaeological assets, referring to the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Listed Buildings

A. All proposals for listed buildings and their settings will be expected to conserve the building, its setting and any features of special architectural or historic interest and, where possible, enhance the significance of the asset. B. Reinstatement and repair of historic building elements (e.g. roof coverings, rainwater and soil goods, windows and doors) should be carried out using traditional, historic or original material, employing specialist advice and craftsmanship where appropriate. C. Extensions to listed buildings and new development within the setting of listed buildings should: i. Respect the listed building in terms of location, floor area, height, massing and scale; ii. Respect the listed building in terms of design, materials and detailing; iii. Respect the unity and/or historic relationship of groups of buildings (e.g. terraces) and the settings of other heritage assets nearby; and iv. Respect the historic character and the extent of the curtilage of the listed building in relation to the amount of garden or other open space provided or retained. D. Proposals for the change of use of a listed building will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposed use, including any required works to the building, would have a neutral or positive effect on the significance of the heritage asset. Where a proposed change of use would lead to less than substantial harm to significance, this should be weighed against any public benefits that might outweigh the harm, and where appropriate secure the optimum viable use of the building (see Policy 70 'Designated Heritage Assets'). Proposals that sensitively reuse listed buildings where the original use has ceased and is no longer viable, and conserve their heritage significance, will be looked upon favourably. E. Proposals leading to substantial harm to listed buildings will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, as set out in Policy 70 'Designated Heritage Assets' Part D. A listed building having fallen into disrepair, or having become partially or wholly derelict will not in itself be sufficient reason to permit its demolition or any substantial harm to its special interest or significance. F. The Council will continue to work with Historic England in identifying listed buildings and structures that merit inclusion on the Heritage at Risk Register. Where such buildings are identified, the Council will work proactively with owners and other bodies to facilitate their successful conservation and reuse, consistent with their heritage significance and special interest.

Conservation Areas

In order to preserve or enhance the borough's conservation areas, including their respective significance, character or appearance: A. All proposals within conservation areas will be expected to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area. Any harm to the significance of a conservation area, including from development within its setting, will require clear and convincing justification; B. Where appropriate, Article 4 Directions will be used to protect local amenity so as to preserve, and where possible, enhance the character of the borough's conservation areas; C. Any tree which contributes to the character of a conservation area will be protected, as per Policy 80 'Trees'; D. The Council will identify and designate new conservation areas in the borough where appropriate, with public consultation; and E. The Council will appraise and reassess the borough's existing conservation areas, including periodic review character appraisals and management plan documents.

Archaeological Assets and Archaeological Priority Areas

Proposals which affect Archaeological Assets and Archaeological Priority Areas will be supported where: A. They provide details of measures that will protect and, where appropriate, better reveal remains of archaeological importance by ensuring acceptable methods are used, proportionate to the significance of the asset. This will include preserving the asset and its setting, including physical preservation in situ where appropriate; B. Desk-based assessments are provided for proposals within designated Tier 1 Archaeological Priority Areas and for applications for major development in Tier 2 Archaeological Priority Areas to evaluate impacts on any below ground archaeology. Further investigation works, including trial pits, may also be required; C. The remains are appropriately recorded, assessed, analysed, disseminated and the archive deposited in cases where loss of the asset is justified in accordance with national policy; and D. The developer undertakes investigations of non-designated heritage assets of archaeological interest that fall either inside or outside of the identified and reviewed Archaeological Priority Areas that hold or potentially hold evidence of past human activity, and the Council will draw on appropriate advice from archaeological experts to assess the results.

Non-Designated Heritage Assets

A. Non-designated heritage assets (including Locally Listed Heritage Assets - see Policy 75 'Locally Listed Heritage Assets') and their settings will be protected and conserved appropriate to their significance, with a strong presumption in favour of their retention, and where possible their enhancement; and B. Substantial harm to and complete loss of non-designated heritage assets will only be supported in exceptional circumstances, and will require clear and convincing justification and evidence as to why the non-designated heritage asset cannot be retained or repurposed.

Locally Listed Heritage Assets

A. The Council will seek to protect and retain locally listed heritage assets and where appropriate their settings, recognising their archaeological, architectural, artistic and historic interest that makes them significant to the borough; B. Substantial harm to and complete loss of locally listed heritage assets will only be supported in exceptional circumstances and will require clear and convincing justification and evidence as to why the locally listed heritage asset cannot be retained or repurposed; C. Alterations or extensions to locally listed heritage assets will be expected to achieve a high standard of design, paying close attention to the significance of the asset and its setting; and D. All parks and landscaped public gardens will be retained, and development proposals will only be supported where they are ancillary to the open space use and respect its inherent character. In assessing development proposals to parks and landscaped public gardens a balanced judgement will be taken, having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the asset.

Highams Area of Special Character

The Highams Area of Special Character has local architectural and historic significance that merits consideration and, where planning permission is required, appropriate protection in the planning process. A. Development proposals will be expected to pay close attention to the area's defined character, including making use of appropriate materials; and B. Applicants should refer to the Article 4 Direction for the Highams Area of Special Character when preparing a planning application within the estate.

Central Waltham Forest

A. Support the delivery of 8,700 new quality homes and jobs across the Central Area comprising of: i. 1,850 new homes in the Walthamstow Town Centre Strategic Location; ii. 1,470 new homes in the Forest Road Corridor Strategic Location; iii. 3,090 new homes in the Blackhorse Lane Strategic Location; iv. 400 new homes in the Wood Street Strategic Location; and v. 1,890 outside Strategic Locations; B. Promote and support the delivery of at least 3,000 new jobs in Central Waltham Forest; C. Promote Walthamstow Town Centre as a major creative and economic hub of the borough, in accordance with its status as a Major Centre in the London Plan by; i. Supporting proposals that seek to expand the current town centre offer, particularly the retail mix and quality, flexible workspace, cultural infrastructure and supporting the developing evening economy and associated hospitality sector; ii. Supporting proposals that seek to establish and consolidate the development of a cultural quarter and evening economy at the eastern end of the High Street and a residential neighbourhood, with retail, leisure, evening economy and community and health infrastructure as part of the emerging St James Quarter at the western end of the High Street, whilst preserving or enhancing the St James Conservation Area and recent heritage shopfront and public realm investment; and iii. Encouraging proposals that seek to consolidate the role and function of Walthamstow Central transport hub as a key transport interchange in outer north London, whilst supporting its potential for development and enhancement; D. Enable investment and the regeneration of the Wood Street District Centre and Blackhorse Lane Neighbourhood Centre; E. Support the Blackhorse Lane Creative Enterprise Zone in line with Policy 37 'Blackhorse Lane Creative Enterprise Zone'; F. Enable delivery of Fellowship Square as a new multi-purpose hub and liveable neighbourhood with supporting community, social infrastructure and retention of existing civic functions, whilst conserving and enhancing the significance of the listed buildings on the site; G. Support proposals for new visitor attractions and related developments in the Walthamstow Town Centre Strategic Location, to complement existing cultural assets and emerging opportunities that the launch of Soho Theatre Walthamstow and investment in Hatherley Mews, Vestry House Museum and Chestnuts House in Hoe Street will generate in the local economy from 2024 onwards, increasing dwell time for residents, tourists and visitors to the borough and building on the legacy of being London's first 'Borough of Culture' in 2019; H. Protect, promote and enhance Walthamstow Market as a unique community asset of Walthamstow Town Centre; I. Preserve or enhance the heritage significance of the Lloyd Park, Walthamstow Village, Orford Road, Walthamstow St James, Leucha Road and Forest School Conservation Areas, in line with Policy 72 'Conservation Areas'; J. Contribute to the management of and mitigation of the impact of development on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (EFSAC) (see Policy 81 'Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation') and the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (see Policy 82 'The Lee Valley Regional Park'); and protect and enhance the Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) (see Policy 77 'Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment'), improving access where appropriate.

North Waltham Forest

As a distinctive area for targeted investment and growth in and around the designated centres and the North Circular Corridor, proposals will be supported where they: A. Contribute to the delivery of a minimum of 3,370 new quality homes across North Waltham Forest comprising of: i. 170 new homes in the North Chingford Strategic Location; ii. 170 new homes in the Chingford Mount Strategic Location; iii. 540 new homes in the Highams Park Strategic Location; iv. 330 new homes in the Sewardstone Road Strategic Location; v. 500 new homes in the North Circular Corridor Strategic Location; and vi. 1,660 outside Strategic Locations; B. Reflect the local character of the area in which they are proposed and improve the quality of the local environment with particular reference to the requirements of Policy 4 'Location of Growth', Policy 5 'Management of Growth' and Policy 6 'Ensuring Good Growth'; C. Promote and support the delivery of at least 1,950 new jobs in North Waltham Forest; D. Enable investment in and the regeneration of the District Centres of North Chingford, South Chingford and Highams Park, and the Sewardstone Road Neighbourhood Centre (see Policies Map); E. Support the development of an improved cycle and pedestrian network in accordance with Policy 60 'Promoting Sustainable Transport' and Policy 61 'Active Travel'; F. Contribute to the management and mitigation of the impact of development on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (EFSAC) (see Policy 81 'Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation') and the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (see Policy 82 'The Lee Valley Regional Park') ; and protect and enhance the Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) (see Policy 77 'Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment') improving access where appropriate; G. Apply placemaking principles that reflect the character and local distinctiveness of Highams Park, with particular reference to the Highams Area of Special Character, and its cultural and green assets as set out in the Highams Park Neighbourhood Plan; H. In the North Chingford Strategic Location: i. Contribute to the regeneration of North Chingford District Centre and the development of a community hub focused in this area; ii. Preserve or enhance the Chingford Green and Chingford Station Road Conservation Areas in accordance with the requirements of Policy 72 'Conservation Areas'; I. In the Chingford Mount Strategic Location: i. Contribute to the development of a community hub focused in the South Chingford District Centre; ii. Contribute to connectivity, diversification of commercial space, and the provision of new employment opportunities; iii. Protect and enhance local character and improve public spaces, with a focus on Albert Crescent; J. In the Sewardstone Road Strategic Location: i. Focus new development on the area of Kings Head Hill/Sewardstone Road junction; ii. Contribute to the improvement of public realm and public spaces, walking and cycling accessibility and connectivity, permeability and legibility to Ponders End and wider improvements and investment in the London Borough of Enfield, and North Chingford and South Chingford District Centres, in addition to other identified routes; K. In the North Circular Corridor Strategic Location; i. Provide opportunities to link to the neighbouring large scale regeneration and infrastructure investment at Meridian Water in the London Borough of Enfield; ii. Strengthen the character and identity of the A406 corridor through design improvement measures for better safety, improved air quality, and the creation of functional and effective connections with local places, activity hubs and communities; iii. Contribute to new leisure opportunities in and around the Banbury Reservoir, whilst preserving and enhancing the openness of the Green Belt and providing additional biodiversity benefits and which contribute to the aims of Policy 77 'Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment', Policy 78 ' Parks, Open Spaces and Recreation ' and Policy 81 'Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation'.

Increasing Housing Supply

Opportunities for housing growth in Waltham Forest will be maximised to deliver a minimum of 27,000 homes by 2035, building on and exceeding the 10-year minimum target set out in the London Plan (2021) of 1,264 per annum (2019/20 - 2026/27) and meeting housing need in Waltham Forest as far as possible by aiming to deliver an average of 1,800 new homes per annum across the Plan Period, by: A. Focusing delivery of new housing in Waltham Forest's Strategic Locations and Site Opportunity Locations in accordance with Policy 4 'Location of Growth'; B. Adopting the following stepped housing target: Plan Period: 2020/21 - 26/27, 2027/28 - 28/29, 2029/30 - 34/35 Financial Year Annual Requirement: 1,264, 1,594, 2,494 C. Adopting a strategic target for 50% of all new homes to be genuinely affordable across the Plan Period (see Policy 13 'Delivering Genuinely Affordable Housing'); D. Maximising opportunities to increase the supply of homes on all suitable, appropriate and available sites including developing brownfield land, surplus public sector land and encouraging appropriate residential intensification; E. Making effective and efficient use of land by seeking to optimise housing densities; F. Ensuring new homes address different housing needs and provide a variety of housing choices; G. Supporting the regeneration and renewal of appropriate housing estates, working with housing association partners where necessary; H. Supporting new homes to be developed on small sites to contribute to meeting housing need (see Policy 19 'Small Sites'); and I. Resisting the unjustified net loss of residential accommodation.

Delivering Genuinely Affordable Housing

The delivery of 50% of all new homes to be genuinely affordable housing will be achieved by: A. Requiring all development of 10 or more homes to deliver affordable housing; B. Working with the Mayor of London to use grant funding to increase affordable housing delivery beyond the level that would otherwise be provided; C. Adopting a threshold approach to viability. Where proposals meet the following criteria, they will not be required to provide a viability assessment at application stage: i. Meet or exceed the threshold level of affordable housing on site without public subsidy. These thresholds are set at: a. A minimum of 35%; or b. 50% for public sector land where there is no portfolio agreement with the Mayor; or c. 50% for Industrial Land (SIL, LSIS, BEA, and non-designated) where the scheme would result in a net loss of industrial capacity. ii. Are consistent with the Council's tenure split (see Policy 14 'Affordable Housing Tenure'); iii. Demonstrate that they have sought grant to increase the level of affordable housing; iv. Are subject to a Section 106 agreement with Early Stage Viability Review, triggered if an agreed level of progress on implementation is not made within two years of the permission being granted (or an alternative period agreed by the Council); D. Requiring proposals which do not meet the criteria in Part C to follow the Viability Tested Route and submit detailed supporting viability evidence to ascertain the maximum viable level of affordable housing which can be delivered. Where required, viability assessments will be undertaken in line with the Mayor's Affordable Housing and Viability SPG. These schemes will be subject to: i. Early Stage Viability Review if an agreed level of progress on implementation is not made within two years of the permission being granted; ii. Mid Term Reviews prior to implementation of phases for larger phased schemes; and iii. A Late Stage Viability Review which is triggered when 75 per cent of the homes in a scheme are sold or let (or an alternative period agreed by the Council); E. Delivering affordable housing on site, other than in exceptional circumstances where off-site or payment-in-lieu would secure better outcomes in meeting the borough's housing need; and F. Seeking affordable housing contributions from alternative housing products (see Policy 18 'Other Forms of Housing').

Affordable Housing Tenure

The following affordable housing tenure split will be expected on schemes of 10 or more homes: Split: 70% Tenure: Low cost affordable rent Split: 30% Tenure: Intermediate housing products

Housing Size and Mix

A diverse range of housing will be supported by: A. Providing the following mix of dwelling sizes across all tenures: Bedroom Size 1 bed 2 bed 3 bed plus Preferred dwelling mix – Social Rent / London Affordable Rent: 20% 30% 50% Preferred dwelling mix – Intermediate Rent: 20% 40% 40% Preferred dwelling mix - Intermediate Ownership: 30% 50% 20% Preferred dwelling mix - Market: 20% 50% 30% B. Allowing variations to the dwelling size mix where it can be fully justified based on the tenures and type of housing proposed, site location, area characteristics, design constraints, scheme viability; and where shared ownership is proposed, the ability of potential occupiers to afford the homes proposed.

Accessible and Adaptable Housing

Developments will be expected to provide high quality, accessible homes by: A. Encouraging functional, adaptable and accessible spaces design in all housing developments; B. Expecting all self-contained homes to meet the nationally described space standard, at a minimum; C. Requiring all new-build self-contained homes to be accessible and adaptable in line with Building Regulation M4(2); and D. Requiring a minimum of 10% of new-build, self-contained homes to be suitable for occupation by a wheelchair user or easily adapted for occupation by a wheelchair user in accordance with Building Regulation M4(3).

Redevelopment and Intensification of Existing Housing Estates

Redevelopment and appropriate intensification of existing housing estates will be supported where: A. It leads to an increase in the overall supply of new homes including genuinely affordable homes; B. Any loss of housing will be replaced by new housing at existing or higher densities with at least the equivalent level of overall floorspace including affordable housing; and C. It increases the design standards, quality, accessibility and safety of the existing housing.

Other Forms of Housing

Schemes for other forms of housing will be supported where: A. They meet the definitions of Build to Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation or Purpose-Built Shared Living (see Table 8.4); B. They contribute towards mixed, balanced and inclusive neighbourhoods and communities; C. They are located in areas of good transport accessibility and are well connected to local services and amenities; D. They contribute to the delivery of affordable housing, in line with the London Plan; i. Build to Rent – adopting the threshold approach set out in Policy H11 'Build to Rent' of the London Plan; ii. Purpose-Built Student Housing – adopting the threshold approach set out in Policy H15 'Purpose-built student accommodation' of the London Plan; iii. Purpose Built Shared Living – as a payment in lieu, adopting the approach set out in Policy H16 'Large-scale purpose-built shared living' of the London Plan; E. They are of high-quality design including size of homes and accessibility.

Small Sites

Residential-led proposals for the development of well-designed new homes on small sites will generally be supported. In particular, proposals will be supported where they: A. Seek to infill, intensify and re-model areas of existing housing; B. Encourage innovative approaches to housing delivery; C. Support residential intensification within 800 metres of a designated centre with good public transport accessibility; and D. Are identified on the Brownfield Land Register.

Scale of Growth

Over the period 2023-2035, the Council will maximise opportunities for economic growth by promoting significant levels of housing and employment development involving minimum net increases of: A. 27,000 additional homes; and B. 52,000sqm employment floorspace.

Housing in Multiple Occupation and Conversions

A. The conversion of a larger home(s) to smaller self-contained homes (C3), Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (C4) and Buildings in Multiple Residential Occupation (Sui Generis) will not be allowed where: i. The house has a gross original internal floor space of less than 124sqm; or ii. The proposal will result in the over concentration of HMO conversions in one street or in the wider local area. B. The conversion of homes with a gross original internal floorspace of more than 124sqm to smaller self-contained homes will only be permitted where the proposed development: i. Provides at least one larger family sized home of 74sqm (3 bed plus); ii. Meets the minimum space standards in Table 14.2 Table 14.2 'Minimum internal space standards for new dwellings'; iii. Meets high-quality design standards (Policy 53 'Delivering High Quality Design' and Policy 57 'Amenity'); iv. Does not propose additional on-site parking beyond existing provision unless justified by a Transport Assessment in line with Policy 66 'Managing Vehicle Traffic'; v. Makes provision for adequate cycle parking on-site (Policy 61 'Active Travel'); vi. Is close to public transport (PTAL 3 and above); vii. Provides good refuse and storage facilities (Policy 57 'Amenity' and Policy 93 'Waste Management'); and viii. Makes appropriate provision for outdoor or amenity space (Policy 56 'Residential Space Standards'). C. The conversion of homes that have a gross original internal floorspace of more than 124 sqm into HMOs will only be permitted where the proposed development: i. Meets the minimum space standards for room sizes in Tables 8.5 and 8.6; ii. Does not propose additional on-site parking beyond existing provision unless justified by a Transport Assessment in line with Policy 66 'Managing Vehicle Traffic'; iii. Makes adequate provision for on-site cycle parking (see Policy 61 'Active Travel'); iv. Is close to public transport (PTAL 3 and above); v. Provides suitable refuse and storage facilities (see Policy 57 'Amenity' and Policy 93 'Waste Management'); vi. Makes appropriate provision for outdoor or amenity space (see Policy 56 'Residential Space Standards').

Supported and Specialist Accommodation

Supported and specialist accommodation will be supported by: A. Encouraging the retention and refurbishment of supported and specialist accommodation where it meets identified need and is of appropriate design quality; and B. Requiring new supported and specialist developments to: i. Be of high quality design, meeting the requirement(s) of a specific user or group; ii. Meet the definition of supported housing and specialist accommodation; iii. Meet identified housing needs; iv. Be well connected to facilities, social infrastructure and health care; and v. Be well served by public transport. C. Resisting the unjustified loss of supported and specialist accommodation unless it can be demonstrated that there is a surplus of that form of accommodation in the area and that it is no longer required; and D. Supporting proposals where it can be demonstrated that the existing accommodation is incapable of meeting contemporary standards of care and the existing accommodation will be adequately re-provided to an equivalent or greater standard in the area.

Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Gypsies and Travellers' identified needs up to 2033 for up to nine additional pitches will be met by: A. Protecting the existing provision of pitches for Gypsies and Travellers at Folly Lane and Hale Brinks North; and B. Supporting intensification of existing sites to provide extra pitches at Folly Lane and Hale Brinks North in line with the need set out in the Gypsies and Travellers' Needs Assessment. Any new site or substantial alteration to an existing site shall: i. Provide satisfactory layout and facilities in terms of pitches, plots, hardstanding, parking, turning space, amenity blocks, storage and maintenance areas, open space and play areas; ii. Be capable of connection to energy, water and sewage infrastructure; iii. Be accessible to public transport, services and facilities, and be capable of support by local social infrastructure; and iv. Provide safe access to and from the road network.

Community Housing

Schemes for community-led housing, self-build and custom build housing projects will supported by ensuring: A. Proposals meet the definition of community-led housing, self-build and custom build housing projects; B. Proposals meet identified housing needs; and C. Proposals make the best use of land by bringing forward redevelopment of small sites, infill development or as part of estate regeneration schemes and larger redevelopments.

Location of Growth

A sustainable approach to accommodating growth will be achieved by focusing new development, regeneration and investment activities primarily in Strategic Locations and other Site Opportunity Locations (Figure 4.1). These will be the primary locations for growth involving the following minimum levels of new homes and jobs with supporting infrastructure. A. South Waltham Forest: A minimum of 13,340 new homes and 3,250 new jobs in the Strategic Locations of Lea Bridge, Low Hall, Leyton, South Leytonstone, Leytonstone Town Centre, Whipps Cross and Bakers Arms; B. Central Waltham Forest: A minimum of 6,810 new homes and 3,000 jobs in the Strategic Locations of Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow Town Centre, Forest Road Corridor and Wood Street; C. North Waltham Forest: A minimum of 1,710 new homes and 1,950 jobs in the Strategic Locations of North Chingford, Sewardstone Road, Chingford Mount, Highams Park and the North Circular Corridor; and D. Elsewhere in Borough: A minimum of 5,150 new homes outside the identified Strategic Locations.

Management of Growth

In planning for growth, the Council will seek to achieve an appropriate balance between physical, social and economic development and environmental protection. Growth will be distributed and managed by: A. Directing and consolidating any new retail and other town centres uses including leisure, offices and new social infrastructure facilities to the designated centres and maximising residential opportunities in these centres through mixed use development. ('Distinctive Town Centres and High Streets'); B. Protecting, promoting and managing designated employment areas to secure more jobs for local people ('Building a Resilient and Creative Economy'); C. Protecting designated sites, areas and green space (Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest; including Epping Forest SAC and SSSI and Lee Valley Regional Park SPA and Ramsar) and conserving biodiversity including wildlife. ('Protecting and Enhancing the Environment'); D. Conserving the heritage significance of Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, Archaeological Priority Areas and other heritage assets ('Conserving and Enhancing our Heritage'). Heritage assets in these locations will be secured and supported with investment to embed the rich cultural and heritage opportunities of the borough; E. Making effective use of previously developed land, except where land is of high environmental value or purposely safeguarded or protected for particular uses as identified on the Policies Map. In considering suitable sites for growth proposals, the redevelopment of underused and vacant land, in particular sites identified in the Local Plan Part 2 - Site Allocations and included on the Brownfield Land Register, will be prioritised; F. Promoting good design and high quality placemaking ('Creating High Quality Places'), by ensuring that development is planned and implemented in a coordinated way, guided by Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), Masterplans, Planning Briefs, Design Codes and other relevant Design Guidance where appropriate. Pending the preparation and adoption of masterplan SPDs for the identified Strategic Locations, proposals for major development coming forward will be considered on the basis of good growth principles and policies included in this plan and the London Plan; G. Supporting the preparation of broad concept plans/planning framework guidance by stakeholder groups or developers for small areas or clusters of sites. The approval process for such plans will be mainly via Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) legislation; and H. Applying a comprehensive set of actions to implement the Plan strategy including: i. ensuring that infrastructure required to support growth is phased and viably funded in line with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP), which will be prepared and updated on a regular basis; ii. resisting any proposed development that will prejudice the future development of a neighbouring site and/or prohibit the comprehensive development of a larger site; iii. working with duty to co-operate partners, stakeholders and the development industry to maximise develop

Residential Space Standards

A. Proposals for new homes are required to meet the prescribed minimum internal space standards, as set out in Table 14.2; B. All housing design should maximise the provision of dual aspect dwellings and avoid the provision of single aspect dwellings wherever possible. Single aspect dwellings that are north facing, contain three or more bedrooms, or are exposed to noise levels with significant adverse effects on health and quality of life will not be supported. Where single aspect homes are proposed, it should be demonstrated that they will have adequate passive ventilation, daylight and privacy, and avoid overheating; C. Proposals for new homes are required to meet the following external amenity space standards: i. Houses should provide a minimum of 50sqm of private external amenity space per dwelling; ii. One and two bed flats and maisonettes should provide a minimum of 10sqm of external amenity space per dwelling. Flats and maisonettes containing three bedrooms or more should provide a minimum of 10sqm of external amenity space per dwelling plus an additional 1sqm for each additional occupant. These external amenity space requirements should include some private outdoor amenity space for each dwelling in the form of balconies, terraces and/or private gardens (including roof gardens). The remaining external amenity space requirements can include communal, landscaped amenity space in accordance with guidelines set out in the London Plan; iii. Private external amenity spaces must be a minimum of 5sqm and achieve a minimum depth and width of 1.5m; iv. Communal external amenity spaces must be a minimum of 50sqm and should be easily accessible to all residents of the development, regardless of tenure; v. The measurement of external amenity space areas should exclude footpaths, driveways, and areas for vehicle circulation and parking; vi. Where external amenity space standards cannot be provided on-site, the Council may require financial contributions towards enhancing or upgrading the provision of local open space(s) in the vicinity of the development; D. All external amenity space should be well designed, appropriately located and usable. External amenity space should not be steeply sloping, awkwardly shaped or very narrow. The role and function of each external amenity space should be clear and the boundaries between different spaces should be well defined. The most important design factors to consider with both private and communal external amenity spaces are: i. Ease of accessibility; ii. Levels of sunlight penetration; iii. Security; iv. Shelter from wind and other environmental factors; and v. Good levels of natural/passive surveillance; E. Children's play areas should be provided in all developments containing 10 or more child bed spaces. A minimum of 10sqm of playspace should be provided as per child (as per the London Plan and the Mayor's Providing for Children and Young People's Play and Informal Recreation Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) or equivalent). Where children's play space requirements cannot be provided on-site, the Council may require financial contributions towards enhancing or upgrading the provision of local play space(s) in the vicinity of the development; and F. Wherever possible, family homes in apartment blocks should be located with good access to communal external amenity space and should allow oversight of children playing outside.

South Waltham Forest

As the priority area for regeneration and good growth, proposals will be supported where they: A. Contribute to the delivery of a minimum of 14,930 new quality homes across South Waltham Forest comprising of: i. 1,640 new homes in the Lea Bridge Strategic Location; ii. 610 new homes in the Low Hall Strategic Location; iii. 6,740 new homes in the Leyton Strategic Location; iv. 650 new homes in the South Leytonstone Strategic Location; v. 1,580 new homes in the Leytonstone Town Centre Strategic Location; vi. 1,490 new homes in the Whipps Cross Strategic Location; vii. 630 new homes in the Bakers Arms Strategic Location; and viii. 1,590 new homes outside Strategic Locations; B. Promote and support the delivery of at least 3,250 new jobs in South Waltham Forest; C. Support the creation of a new mixed use neighbourhood of Leyton Mills in the Leyton Strategic Location, focused around a potential new station at Ruckholt Road, in accordance with Local Plan Part 2 - Site Allocations, and/or as part of masterplan proposals; D. Enable the delivery of a new state-of-the-art hospital at Whipps Cross, in accordance with Local Plan Part 2 - Site Allocations, and/or as part of masterplan proposals; E. Enable investment in, and the regeneration of Leytonstone District Centre (including Tesco, Matalan, and Church Lane Car Park), Leyton District Town Centre and Thatched House Neighbourhood Centre (see Policies Map); F. Fully realise redevelopment opportunities in the Lea Bridge Strategic Location, including supporting further improvements to Lea Bridge Station, in accordance with Local Plan Part 2 - Site Allocations, and/or as part of masterplan proposals; G. Re-provide the waste services from the Leyton Refuse and Recycling Centre in line with the requirements of the North London Waste Plan (Policy 1); H. Contribute to the cultural and sporting assets available to the south of the borough, to enhance the visitor economy, support the area's local centres and businesses and build a vibrant evening and night-time offer; I. Deliver improvements at Lea Bridge and Bakers Arms that improve safety and incorporate Designing Out Crime and Secured by Design principles (see Policy 58 'Making Places Safer and Designing Out Crime'); J. Provide strong links to the adjoining Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, International Quarter and Stratford City; K. Preserve or enhance the Bakers Arms, Thornhill Road, Leytonstone, Browning Road, and Leyton Town Centre Conservation Areas (see Policy 72 'Conservation Areas'); L. Contribute to improving walking and cycling connectivity around the wider area via public realm improvements; M. Create opportunities to improve and grow the visitor, sporting and wider cultural offer of the Lee Valley Regional Park and its venues; including the Lee Valley Ice Centre, the Lee Valley WaterWorks Centre and the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, thereby ensuring their long-term sustainability and contribution to the visitor economy of the borough; N. Contribute to the management and mitigation of the impact of development on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (EFSAC) (in line with the requirements of Policy 81 'Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation') and the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (in line with the requirements of Policy 82 'The Lee Valley Regional Park'); and protect and enhance the Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) (in line with the requirements of Policy 77 'Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment') and improving access where appropriate.

Infrastructure for Growth

The Council will require development proposals to make viable provision for infrastructure that is necessary to accommodate additional demands arising from growth by: A. Working with infrastructure delivery bodies and agencies, landowners and developers to ensure that the growth outlined in this Local Plan is supported by necessary infrastructure as set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. In particular, the Council will prioritise the timely delivery and success of the following key infrastructure projects including: Redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital; Ruckholt Road New Rail Station; Reopening of the Meridian Line; Walthamstow Central Station Transport Interchange; and Leyton Underground Station Improvements; B. Ensuring the provision of expanded schools (including bulge classes) where there is capacity on existing sites to accommodate the pupils arising from new development, and new provision in identified 'areas of need' where population change and growth requires its provision ('Social and Community Infrastructure'); C. Ensuring the provision of GP Practices and other health care facilities in central locations within walking distance to the residential catchments areas they are expected to serve ('Social and Community Infrastructure'); D. Working with the telecommunications industry to maximise access to super-fast broadband, wireless hotspots and improved mobile signals for all residents and businesses. Where a fibre connection cannot currently be provided, infrastructure within the site should be designed to allow for fibre provision in the future ('Active Travel, Transport and Digital Infrastructure'); E. Requiring robust evidence to be provided, where developers consider that viability issues will impact upon the delivery of required infrastructure and/or mitigation measures. This evidence will be used to determine whether an appropriate and acceptable level of contribution and/or mitigation can be secured; F. Requiring developers to provide, finance and/or contribute towards infrastructure provision which is fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development, through Planning Obligations and the Community Infrastructure Levy (or any future replacement) in order to: ensure appropriate provision of facilities and infrastructure for new residents; mitigate any adverse impacts where appropriate; avoid placing unreasonable additional burdens on the existing community or existing infrastructure; and address cumulative impacts that might arise across multiple developments; G. Ensuring essential new infrastructure to support new development is operational no later than the completion of development or during the phase in which it is needed, whichever is earliest, unless otherwise agreed with relevant providers; and H. Refusing planning permission where appropriate agreements or processes ensuring criteria (F) and (G) above are not in place or cannot be met.

Utilities Infrastructure

All major development proposals will be expected to: A. Carry out early pre-application engagement with infrastructure providers to demonstrate that there is sufficient infrastructure capacity to support the proposed development from commencement. Where there will be a deficit, the developer will be expected to be ensure that relevant infrastructure will be provided as part of the proposals and secured through a Section106 planning obligation; B. Ensure utility infrastructure and connections are designed into the development from the outset wherever possible. As a minimum, developers should identify and plan for: i. Electricity supply with providers as part of development proposals; ii. Gas and water supply/wastewater discharge, considering the need to conserve natural resources; iii. Heating and cooling demand and the viability of its provision via decentralised energy (DE) networks; iv. Entry and connection points from utility providers within developments.

Digital Infrastructure

Planning permission will be granted for all new major developments where: A. They are served by full-fibre broadband capable of gigabit download speeds; B. The full-fibre broadband connections are available at the point of releasing for sale, where relevant, and that the cost of the services are at market rates, preferably offering broadband services from more than one service provider; C. Developers work with a recognised network carrier to design appropriate duct infrastructure for the installation of fibre broadband by a range of operators; D. Other forms of digital infrastructure, such as facilities supporting mobile phone broadband, are included wherever possible; and E. The siting and appearance of utilities infrastructure is designed to minimise impacts on amenity and to be as unobtrusive as possible. Planning permission will be granted for new electronic communications infrastructure where: F. It is supported by the necessary evidence to justify the proposed development in accordance with the requirements of national policy; G. Proposed equipment is sympathetically designed to minimise impacts on amenity and secluded or camouflaged where appropriate; H. It can be demonstrated that electronic communications infrastructure is not expected to cause significant and irreversible interference with other electrical equipment, air traffic services or instrumentation operated in the national interest; I. Adverse impacts on the successful functioning of existing digital infrastructure are avoided. Where this is not practicable, appropriate mitigation shall be provided; J. It does not result in the International Commission guidelines on non-ionising radiation protection being exceeded; and K. Appropriate pre-application consultation in accordance with national policy has been undertaken.

Infrastructure and Developer Contributions

A. The Local Planning Authority will support development proposals that provide adequate contributions towards: i. Measures to directly mitigate their impact and make them acceptable in planning terms; and ii. Physical, social and community, green and transport infrastructure to meet the needs associated with the development. B. Development proposals will be required to test the quality and capacity of existing infrastructure, in partnership with the Council and other infrastructure and service delivery stakeholders as necessary, and make contributions to support the timely provision of improvements and/or additional capacity. C. Infrastructure provision or enhancements should be provided on-site as an integral part of a development wherever possible and appropriate. D. Where on-site provision is not possible nor the most appropriate means by which to secure the timely and most efficient delivery of such enhancements or provision, planning obligations will be required to secure a financial contributions to meet the reasonable costs of provision to support the development or offset its impact. E. Where it is necessary to seek planning contributions to make particular development acceptable in planning terms, they will be secured via a legal agreement and in addition to any applicable CIL charges. F. Planning Obligations will be sought in line with Regulation 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulation 2010 (as amended) or successor regulations and guidance. The Council will also require pooled contributions for measures that cannot be funded through CIL, as set out in the Council's Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). G. Development proposals that do not suitably mitigate their impacts will not be supported. H. All liable development proposals will be required to pay the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in accordance with the borough's Adopted CIL Charging Schedule. I. All liable development proposals will be required to pay the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy (MCIL) in accordance with the Mayor of London's Adopted MCIL Charging Schedule.

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

At the heart of the Local Plan Strategy is a desire to deliver sustainable growth; growth that is not for its own sake, but growth that brings benefits for all of Waltham Forest's new as well as existing communities. When considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. Development proposals will be informed and shaped by the suite of policies that have been developed to ensure that development and growth are positive, work to the benefit of residents and businesses, and enhance the existing physical environment. The Council will achieve this by working proactively with applicants to jointly find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible without delay, while at the same time securing development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the borough. Planning permission will be granted where applications accord with the policies in this Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in the London Plan, North London Waste Plan, LLDC Local Plan, adopted Neighbourhood Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents) when taken as a whole, unless other material considerations indicate otherwise.

Ensuring Good Growth

In ensuring good growth, development proposals will be expected to satisfy the following requirements, unless demonstrably impossible to do so: A. Make efficient use of land through mixed-use development and intensification (Policy 7 'Encouraging Mixed Use Development' and Policy 8 'Character-Led Intensification'); B. Contribute to improving and enabling healthier lifestyles ('Promoting Health and Well-Being' and Policy 61 'Active Travel'); C. Provide a broad range of housing choice by size and tenure including affordable housing and cater for people with special housing needs ('Decent Homes for Everyone'); D. Contribute to providing for a wide range of local employment opportunities that offer a choice of jobs in different sectors of the economy ('Building a Resilient and Creative Economy'); E. Support the creation of successful neighbourhood communities (15 Minute Neighbourhoods, where every resident is able to meet most or all of their needs within a short walk, wheel or bike ride from home) and the provision of adequate social and physical infrastructure ('Social and Community Infrastructure', Policy 61 'Active Travel', and Policy 62 'Public Transport'); F. Incorporate high quality design solutions and contribute positively to the quality of the physical environment ('Creating High Quality Places'); G. Ensure that new development proposals (including the alteration and refurbishment of existing buildings, extensions and change of use of buildings) are inclusively designed and usable by all to promote equality of opportunity ('Creating High Quality Places'); H. Contribute to the response to climate change, through mitigation and adaptation, the use of sustainable building materials, low carbon heating and energy efficiency, low carbon transport, electrical vehicles and active travel ('Addressing the Climate Emergency' and 'Active Travel, Transport and Digital Infrastructure'); I. Protect and enhance existing green and blue infrastructure, including open space and leisure facilities, biodiversity and nature conservation ('Protecting and Enhancing the Environment'); J. Create safe environments, which incorporate appropriate design solutions and crime prevention measures that assist in reducing crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour ('Creating High Quality Places'); and K. Protect heritage assets including conservation areas and listed buildings ('Conserving and Enhancing our Heritage').

Encouraging Mixed Use Development

In contributing towards the supply of homes and jobs, mixed use development proposals will be encouraged across the borough particularly in Strategic Locations. A. In considering whether a mix of uses should be sought, the most appropriate mix of uses for a site and whether that mix can practically be achieved, the Council will consider the following: i. The location of the development and the character of the area; ii. Whether the proposed mix of uses would be appropriate in the existing street frontage; iii. The design quality of the proposal; iv. The financial and economic viability of the proposal; v. The contribution that land use swaps and off-site contributions could make; vi. Any other planning objectives considered to be a priority for the area; vii. The extent to which planning conditions could be used to protect the amenity of existing and future residents and businesses, and; viii. The compatibility of the proposed use(s) with existing, proposed and adjoining uses; B. Where new commercial units are proposed as part of mixed-use residential schemes, proposals must be supported by an implementation/marketing strategy to secure the timely occupation of such units. Where alternative uses are proposed as replacement uses in consented schemes, supporting market evidence will be required to demonstrate that the unit has been advertised on reasonable and realistic terms over a period of two years.

Monitoring Growth Targets

The Council will monitor progress towards the achievement of the key targets for growth (housing, including affordable housing, employment space and retail) annually as part of the Council Authority Monitoring Report (AMR). In the event that delivery falls significantly behind that which is required to achieve these targets, the Council will trigger a full or partial review of the Plan in order to address the reason(s) for underdelivery. Key indicators that would trigger a full or partial review are: A. Failure to demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply in any monitoring year with the following 2 monitoring years indicating no recovery in the position; B. Housing completions fall more than 15% beneath the targets in the housing trajectory over any rolling 3-year period; C. The delivery of employment space falls more than 20% beneath the target over any rolling 3-year period; D. A reduction of more than 20% in retail space in designated centres over a 3-year period; E. A failure to meet the visitor uplift in identified Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) necessary to accommodate the new homes delivered followed by an Epping Forest Condition Survey and visitor survey in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) that demonstrates deterioration in the condition of the SAC resulting from recreational pressure; and F. Harm to the Epping Forest SAC arising from traffic growth, based on the number of trips to/from a development site compared with the level set out in the submitted Transport Assessment and Air Quality Study 2.

Hierarchy of Centres

The borough's network of designated centres, as identified below, will be protected and enhanced in order to provide a sustainable distribution of town centre facilities and services to support local communities and deliver 15 Minute Neighbourhoods. The borough's designated town centre hierarchy is as follows: A. Major Centre - Walthamstow Town Centre. This is the borough's principal and economic hub. The role of Walthamstow Town Centre will be reinforced by focusing investment in major comparison retailing activities, leisure, cultural and tourist and other main town centre uses including offices, workspace and complementary evening and night-time uses; B. District Centres - North Chingford, South Chingford, Highams Park, Wood Street, Bakers Arms, Leyton, and Leytonstone. District Centres will be the primary focus for development and investment in shops, services, leisure and complementary community uses. A mix of uses will be supported to ensure the development of vibrant centres which meet the needs of the local communities that they serve; C. Neighbourhood Centres - Sewardstone Road, Hatch Lane, Chingford Mount Road, Forest Road, Blackhorse Lane, Markhouse Corner, Francis Road, and Thatched House. These centres will be the focus for smaller scale retail and town centre services and facilities appropriate to their role and function, which is to serve the everyday needs of local communities; D. Local Retail Parades - These form the lowest tier in the hierarchy and consist of small clusters/parades of shops containing at least five units which serve their immediate catchment area for local convenience shopping needs. These are defined on the Policies Map. Their role in providing local neighbourhood shopping and supporting facilities will be protected.

New Retail, Office and Leisure Developments

The designated centres as listed under Policy 38 'Hierarchy of Centres' will be the preferred locations for new retail, office, workspace, leisure and cultural/tourism, entertainment, hotel, community and other service uses. Development proposals will be supported where the scale of development is appropriate to the role and function of the particular designated centre or parade and its catchment. Proposals for such development on sites outside designated centres will only be supported where it can be demonstrated that: A. All in-centre options (in Walthamstow Town Centre, the District and Neighbourhood Centres) have been thoroughly assessed for their availability and suitability in accommodating new development; B. Where it has been demonstrated that there are no available or suitable in-centre sites, preference has been given to edge-of-centre locations which are well connected to the designated centre by means of easy pedestrian access; C. Appropriate flexibility has been applied with regard to scale and format of proposed operations; D. A Retail Impact Assessment has been undertaken for proposals over 2500sqm, and this shows that there would be no adverse impact on the vitality and viability of nearby designated centres and parades as well as no adverse impact on town centre investment. In exceptional circumstances, where it is deemed unnecessary to undertake a full-scale Retail Impact Assessment, a broader statement of impact will be required; E. The scale of provision is justified (as above) and is required to support new residential communities in an area deficient in shopping provision - i.e. there are no shops or community services within a 10-minute walk (approximately 800m).

Revitalisation, Adaptation and Regeneration in Designated Centres and Parades

Development proposals involving the revitalisation, adaptation and regeneration of the borough's designated centres/retail parades and other non-designated areas will be encouraged where they seek to achieve the following planning objectives: A. Consolidation of retail activities within compact retail core areas of the borough's designated centres; B. Safeguard the provision of town centre services and facilities in sustainable locations to ensure that residents can meet most of their needs within short walking distance (10 minutes or 800 metres) or a bicycle ride (up to 15 minutes) from homes; C. In locations where retail or commercial demand no longer exists (as evidenced by vacancies), the conversion of retail and other commercial premises to appropriate alternative uses such as housing, business, leisure, entertainment uses and community uses, subject to other policies of this Plan; D. Conversion of vacant upper floors of ground floor commercial buildings for housing purposes, where a high quality living environment offering good levels of residential amenity, low noise levels, safe streets and personal security can be created without impeding the development of primary town centre uses such as retail, office and leisure; E. Conversion or subdivision of vacant commercial floor space to provide flexible adaptive units for occupation by smaller business units with adequate servicing; F. The development of meanwhile and temporary uses with space provision for small business, art, performance and exhibition as well as for educational and vocational projects and activities; G. Alignment with town centre strategies and Area Frameworks to deliver positive change, improve business confidence and encourage investment from private and public sectors; H. Promotion of local distinctiveness with regard to the 'offer' of individual centres, their place setting and the development of differentiated niche roles; and I. Ensuring that replacement uses are well integrated (in function and design) with the remaining frontage to manage the impact of change on townscape character and neighbouring amenity.

Managing Changes of Use In and Outside Primary Shopping Areas

In Primary Shopping Areas A. Proposals for town centre uses will be encouraged in the Primary Shopping Areas of Walthamstow and the District Centres (see Policies Map). Other uses will be supported where they maintain the continuity of active frontages on ground floors and make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of a centre by attracting a significant number of shoppers/visitors. Outside Primary Shopping Areas B. Outside the Primary Shopping Areas of Walthamstow Town Centre and the District Centres, a diverse range and mix of town centre uses will be encouraged at ground floor level where: i. They contribute to the vitality and viability of the particular frontage and the designated centre generally; ii. They provide non-retail services and other town centre uses (such as cinemas, restaurants, bars and pubs, night-clubs, health and fitness centres, offices, banks, estate agents, arts/culture facilities, hotels, health/community uses, etc) of appropriate scale to the particular centre; and iii. They extend the offer and range of services and activities available to enhance shoppers' or visitors' experience of the centre.

Managing Changes of Use in Neighbourhood Centres and Local Retail Parades

Within Neighbourhood Centres and Local Retail Parades, a diverse range of town centre uses will be encouraged to predominate on ground floors. The loss of existing commercial units (where planning permission is required) will only be permitted where all of the following criteria are met: A. Local residents would still have a reasonable range and choice of essential shops and services in the designated centre or parade, or in a nearby designated centre or parade within a reasonable walking distance; B. The replacement use could be considered beneficial to the local community, or provide locally distinctive community services that serve local residents and nearby communities; C. The retail unit has been vacant for a continuous period of at least six months and there is marketing evidence demonstrating the advertisement of the unit on reasonable and realistic terms; and D. The proposed use would contribute to the vitality and viability of the particular frontage and centre generally.

Managing Changes of Use in Non-Designated Areas

Outside the designated centres of Walthamstow Town Centre, the District and Neighbourhood Centres, and designated Local Retail Parades, the Council will support changes of use involving the loss of town centre uses. As a general approach (where planning permission is required), the Council will ensure that: A. Local residents would still have access to local shops within a reasonable walking distance; B. The replacement use would be beneficial to the local community and contribute to the Council's aspirations and priorities, in particular, the regeneration objectives for the local area and the delivery of 15 Minute Neighbourhoods; C. Along commercial frontages (at ground floor/street level), active uses (those that can operate with display windows and shop fronts and create activity and interest directly related to passing pedestrians) will be maintained; D. Where ground floor housing conversions may be justified as replacement alternative uses, they relate to frontages or locations where commercial activity has significantly declined and the proposal is part of a scheme involving a group of properties in the street block or parade.

Evening and Night-Time Economy Uses

Proposals for evening and night-time economy uses that contribute to the vitality and viability of the borough's designated centres - in particular, Walthamstow Town Centre - will be encouraged where: A. They are part of a strategic approach to delivering and managing cultural and food and drink uses in the designated centres and/or supporting the creation of a balanced provision of evening and night-time uses; B. The design of the development particularly focuses on public safety, crime prevention and the reduction of anti-social behaviour; C. Active day-time uses are also proposed and/or proposals make a positive contribution to active frontages and do not detract from the character and amenity of the surrounding shops and services; D. There will be no significant individual or cumulative adverse effect on the surrounding residential amenity due to noise, traffic, parking, general disturbance or problems of disorder and nuisance; E. Arrangements for mitigating pollution including ventilation equipment, refuse disposal, grease traps and noise insulation is provided in a way that minimises visual and environmental impact; and F. Inclusive access is provided.

Hot Food Takeaways

In accordance with London Plan Policy E9 'Retail, markets and hot food takeaways', Parts D and E, proposals for new hot food takeaways will only be permitted where: A. The hot food takeaway is located within a designated centre or parade; B. The new hot food takeaway would not result in more than two hot food takeaway units being located immediately opposite or adjacent to each other, by maintaining a separation between them of at least two non-hot food takeaway units; C. The hot food takeaway is not located within 400 metres walking distance of the boundary of a nursery, a primary school, a secondary school, a community college or youth facilities; and D. A commitment is made to operate the hot food takeaway in compliance with the Waltham Forest Healthier Catering Commitment within six months of opening.

Betting Shops and Payday Loan Shops

Proposals for new betting shops and payday loan shops will be carefully controlled in the borough. New proposals will be assessed with regard to the following factors: A. The location of the proposed development, its catchment area and proximity to areas of deprivation; B. The presence of other similar operators and extent of clustering of such uses in the local area; C. The health impacts of the proposed use or activity; and D. The implications for community safety, crime and anti-social behaviour (see Policy 58 'Making Places Safer and Designing Out Crime').

Promoting Sustainable Transport

New development will be expected to contribute to the Council's objective to deliver more attractive, accessible, healthy and safe streets, places and neighbourhoods for all residents in Waltham Forest. As such, development proposals will be supported where they: A. Create an environment where residents and visitors actively feel welcomed and choose to walk, cycle or use public transport as part of their everyday life; B. Contribute towards enhancing streets to meet Healthy Streets indicators across the public realm in the borough; C. Increase the proportion of trips made by walking, cycling and public transport and improve local connections and facilities for these modes, in line with Policy 61 'Active Travel' and Policy 62 'Public Transport'; D. Improve the quality and resilience of the public realm, ensuring accessible and adaptable public space for people and activities from all walks of life; E. Create safe neighbourhood environments, including reducing road danger, improving personal security and meeting the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy objective for Vision Zero; F. Provide legible, prominent and coherent wayfinding for walking and cycling to and through strategic and local active travel networks, public transport hubs, amenities, schools and green spaces; G. Support permeability for active modes of travel, and prioritise road space for cycling, walking and public transport; H. Ensure neighbourhoods have good connections to public transport, in line with Policy 62 'Public Transport'; I. Deliver car-free development to reduce car dominance in terms of congestion and excessive parking on the street; J. Support sustainable transport initiatives that reduce demand for car ownership, such as: car club development; cycle hire facilities; local bus service improvements; electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and pocket parks, in line with Policy 66 'Managing Vehicle Traffic' and Policy 67 'Electric Vehicles'; and K. Improve air quality and noise pollution by promoting sustainable transport initiatives and reducing Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions and exposure of vulnerable people to air pollution, in line with Policy 88 'Air Pollution' and Policy 63 'Development and Transport Impacts'.

Active Travel

All new development will be expected to support a shift to active transport modes and encourage an increase in walking and cycling. Proposals will be expected to: Walking A. Improve the pedestrian environment by supporting high quality and safe public realm with appropriate facilities and amenities; B. Contribute towards the delivery of TfL's Liveable Neighbourhoods for All programme and the delivery of 15 Minute Neighbourhoods, through enhancements to walking connections to local destinations, transport hubs and amenities; C. Maximise opportunities to increase permeability of the public realm in and around the development for people travelling by foot, bike or public transport; D. Provide footpaths and footways that are wide enough for the number of people expected to use them and designed for vulnerable road users; E. Ensure that any improvements to access routes and/or green corridors would not result in adverse effects on the integrity of the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Lee Valley Regional Park Special Protection Area (SPA); Cycling F. Contribute to, and support the delivery of, high quality and safe strategic and/or local cycle networks in the borough, linked to public transport nodes, as well as public spaces, facilities and amenities; G. Ensure the provision of secure public and on-site cycle parking facilities for occupiers and visitors, that are compliant with Waltham Forest Parking Standards, London Plan requirements and London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS), at prominent locations within the development site; H. Deliver accessible cycle parking and appropriate off-street storage for people using cargo bikes or adapted cycles, hand carts and for people who may not be able to store cycles at home;

Public Transport

The Council will ensure that development is properly integrated with the public transport network by: A. Working with TfL, Network Rail and other partners to reopen the Meridian Line and to facilitate improvements to public transport infrastructure (Bus, National Rail, Underground, or Overground network) with regard to capacity, provision of interchanges, step-free access and the phased introduction of a fully electric bus fleet; B. Ensuring connectivity and integration of the public transport network with other transport modes, including walking and cycling within and outside the borough; C. Supporting public transport schemes that seek to improve connectivity to areas with lower Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL), in line with Policy 94 'Infrastructure and Developer Contributions'; and D. Seeking developer contributions towards enhancing public transport provision and infrastructure in order to mitigate any likely adverse impact of development.

Development and Transport Impacts

To effectively assess the impacts of development and agree suitable mitigations and monitoring, major development proposals should be submitted with the following documentation: A. A Transport Assessment (TA) showing how the development will contribute towards meeting local and London-wide transport objectives, identifying and mitigating development impacts, and detailing measures to achieve this (including street improvements, on-site facilities and engagement); B. A site Travel Plan (TP) detailing how development will enable walking, cycling and public transport use amongst users, including agreed targets, implementation, funding and monitoring regime(s) - all of which will be secured through Section 106 contributions along with the appropriate monitoring fee; C. A Construction Logistics Plan (CLP) setting out the potential impacts of construction traffic, and how this will be reduced. An Outline CLP should be submitted at application stage, followed by a Detailed CLP at the pre-construction phase, in line with Policy 65 'Construction Logistic Plans'; and D. A Delivery and Servicing Plan (DSP) detailing how the development will minimise the adverse impacts of deliveries, freight and servicing at both the construction and operational phases in accordance with Policy 64 'Deliveries, Freight and Servicing'. For minor development, the requirement for a TA, TP, CLP or DSP will be assessed on a case by case basis, having regard to the transport impacts of the development.

Deliveries, Freight and Servicing

All development within the borough should seek to minimise the adverse impacts of deliveries, freight and servicing at both the construction and operational phases by: A. Using sustainable transport initiatives and zero emission vehicles, such as cargo bikes and electric vehicles, for servicing trips and last mile deliveries; B. Reducing the number of freight, servicing and delivery trips to and from developments at the operational and construction phases; C. Managing freight and servicing by utilising local and area-wide facilities to consolidate and time deliveries; D. Operating facilities and measures to reduce waste collection trips, such as consolidated waste collection for businesses, and underground waste storage; E. Optimising the arrangement of deliveries outside of peak hours; F. Managing road danger resulting from freight and servicing vehicles by using suppliers that meet Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Silver standard; and G. Where appropriate, promoting facilities to enable efficient online retailing and minimise additional freight trips arising from missed deliveries, including storage lockers or concierge services. A Delivery and Servicing Plan (DSP) is required for all major development schemes and on a case by case basis for minor developments where there is no Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in place, servicing and deliveries are not possible within the red line boundary, and/or where the development will have a significant impact on the public highway.

Construction Logistic Plans

To minimise the impact of construction logistics on the road network all new residential and commercial development in the borough should enable efficient and sustainable servicing and delivery of goods, waste and servicing activity to and from sites. Proposals should be supported by an Outline Construction Logistics Plan (CLP), where appropriate, to satisfy the following requirements: A. Reduce the potential impact on the local community through a comprehensive and thorough risk assessment; B. Minimise construction traffic and manoeuvres that place other road users at risk by providing or ensuring safe routes to the site for construction traffic, and avoid air quality sensitive areas (including roads within the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC)), areas with concentrations of vulnerable road users, including schools and town centres, and areas with high densities of people walking and cycling; C. Reduce construction traffic and manoeuvres in the main roads in order to minimise potential traffic congestion in town centres; D. Through Delivery and Servicing Plans (DSPs), consolidate freight deliveries with other local and regional development sites or/or use appropriate consolidation facilities; E. Minimise road danger resulting from construction vehicles by using suppliers that meet Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Silver standard; and F. Promote the use of the safest vehicles, suitable for the site and its ground conditions, including those that meet direct vision standards and are fitted with enhanced vulnerable road user safety features such as pedestrian and cyclist autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and alcohol interlock systems. Construction Logistics Plans (CLPs) will: G. Minimise impacts on the local transport network by identifying opportunities for site delivery and collection management, and locating all vehicle loading and unloading facilities within the boundary of major development. H. Be used as a monitoring tool to be adhered to, and will be reviewed and updated as necessary prior to the start of each new phase of construction; I. Be required prior to commencement of development. They will be required at sites that will, or have the potential to, impact on the highway network, public transport services and/or sustainable transport, have difficult access and/or may affect nearby developments or surrounding residents; and J. Be required to adhere to the CLP guidance and templates.

Managing Vehicle Traffic

In order to encourage and promote active and sustainable transport as the main means of travel in Waltham Forest, to improve air quality, improve personal health and well-being and respond to the Climate Emergency, all new residential developments (major and minor) in the borough should be car-free. Where car parking is required, the following considerations will apply: A. In the case of proposed developments in less well connected areas, a robust Transport Assessment (TA) must be provided to justify the need for any deviation from car-free development, in line with London Plan policies; B. Proposals must not exceed the maximum parking standards set out in the London Plan and in 'Appendix 1 - Parking Standards' of this Plan. For mixed-use schemes, specific parking should be provided for different uses; C. Disability Discrimination Act compliant (DDA) (Blue Badge) parking spaces should be provided for all developments, including car-free proposals in accordance with best practice standards, as set out in the London Plan and 'Appendix 1 - Parking Standards' of this Plan; D. Parking or loading provision for essential operational or servicing needs must be justified through a TA, in line with Policy 63 'Development and Transport Impacts'; E. Where other car parking (including motorcycle parking) is exceptionally provided it must not exceed London Plan and the parking standards set out in 'Appendix 1 - Parking Standards'; F. New development must incorporate designated spaces for deliveries within the boundaries of the development and, where appropriate, must provide Delivery and Servicing Plans (DSPs) which encourage provision for low-emission, consolidation and last mile delivery modes in line with Policy 64 'Deliveries, Freight and Servicing'; G. Car parking in new developments for GPs, health and educational facilities will be supported by following 'Appendix 1 - Parking Standards' and London Plan policies; H. Operational parking for business and industry uses will be permitted when need is clearly demonstrated within a TA, and measures have been applied to minimise the number of vehicles, frequency and impact of trips. All operational vehicles should be electric or meet the Euro Emissions Standards outlined by the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and operational parking should include infrastructure to support Electric Vehicle Charging; I. Where parking is provided as part of a development, proposals must be supported with a Car Parking Management Plan

Electric Vehicles

Where development provides car parking through either reprovision or when car parking has been justified through a Transport Assessment (TA), it should accelerate uptake of electric vehicles by: A. Providing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, including a minimum of 20% of spaces to have active charging facilities at the outset, with passive provision for all remaining spaces; B. Demonstrating within Car Parking Management Plans how occupants using electric vehicle charge points will be charged fairly and consistently, and how the number of EV charge points will be increased to meet demand; C. Incentivising ownership and use of electric vehicles through measures including reduced rate parking charges or leases for spaces, or subsidised electricity in line with London Plan guidance; and D. Contributing to the borough's publicly accessible rapid charging and on-street charging network, especially where development is served by electric vehicles for taxis and deliveries and servicing.