Waltham Forest Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for a new residential development near Epping Forest, including impact fees to mitigate potential environmental effects. The development, located to the rear of 10 Chingford Mount Road and west of 1 Field Close, will see the demolition of 29 existing garages to make way for eight new residential units.
The application was brought before the Planning Committee due to significant public interest and a call-in by a local ward councillor. According to the public reports pack, this was due to the level of public interest and a call-in by a local ward councillor.
Key concerns raised in consultation responses included:
- Residential amenity – loss of daylight/sunlight, overshadowing, overlooking, loss of privacy, loss of outlook and noise
- Construction impacts – noise, vibration, dust, access to garages and access from Field Close/Frances Road.
- Congestion, parking stress and traffic
- Design and character – overdevelopment including proposed three storey scale and roof terraces
The approval, made at the Planning Committee meeting on 8 July 2025, includes a Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMs) contribution of £5,200 for the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation. This fee is intended to mitigate the potential impact of increased recreational pressure on the protected area.
The development by Landview Holdings Limited will consist of two buildings, one two-storey and one three-storey, providing a mix of 4 two-bedroom and 4 three-bedroom homes. The plans also feature roof terraces, private gardens, landscaping, communal refuse and recycle stores, bicycle storage, and air source heat pumps.
In addition to the Epping Forest contribution, the development will also be subject to other fees, including:
- A Construction Logistics Plan monitoring fee of £750
- A contribution of £5,000 towards sustainable modes of transport, which will be used for improving walking and cycling in the vicinity, directly benefiting new residents.
- A highway condition survey of Field Close and Chingford Mount Road to assess and repair any deterioration caused by construction.
- A £5,000 contribution towards future Controlled Parking Zone consultation
- Contribution to the Carbon Offset Fund to address any shortfall in carbon emissions reductions for the residential development. A 100% upfront payment is required, with a second offset to capture any additional shortfall.
- A waste management strategy requiring private facilities management.
The agenda for the meeting also included discussions on other planning applications, such as developments on Davies Lane, West Avenue, and Argall Avenue.
The public reports pack provided detailed information on all agenda items, including site history, consultation responses, and relevant planning policies.