WALTHAMSTOW: First images of new development released

9:36am Wednesday 10th December 2008

By Jonathan Moyes

THESE are the first images of a massive housing development planned for a deprived part of Walthamstow.

Developer Hadley Homes hopes to build 586 new homes, 40 per cent of which have to be affordable and more than 70 per cent for families, on the Kimberley Road Industrial Estate in Billet Road.

Shops, ten business premises including a restaurant, a nursery, a health centre, an open-air amphitheatre, a park and a community centre are all planned for the “environmentally friendly” development, named Banbury Park.

Developer Hadley Homes says it will also make financial contribution to improve local bus services and educational facilities, as well improve the community generally.

The company says it has “confidence in Waltham Forest as a regeneration area”, despite the economic downturn, and will improve an area blighted by rundown and neglected buildings.

Hadley Homes also hopes to build a headquarters for the Higham Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).

Higham Hill SNT is currently based at Walthamstow Police Station in Forest Road but PCSO Mike Blaen welcomed in principal the idea of moving the SNT to Higham Hill.

The developer claims the scheme has already attracted the support of the London Development Agency (LDA) and Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

A spokesman said a combined heat and power plant, green roofs, grey water recycling, solar hot water panels and renewable energy are examples of the developement's green credentials.

As is car sharing initiatives, a car club and promotion of the links to the cycle network.

He added: "The scheme promotes community, sustainability and much needed affordable family."

The plans were cautiously welcomed by ward Cllr Sean Meisner, who said some residents have concerns.

He said: "According to Government figures Higham Hill is the tenth poorest ward in England. The development would be good for the area but I have to weigh that up against those who don't want it.

"I have been sent a petition by residents living in nearby Kimberley Road objecting to the plans because they say there are proposals to build an access point which would increase the levels of traffic in their street if the development is given the go-ahead."

He added he will meet his fellow ward Cllrs Patrick Smith and Peter Woollcott to discuss the plans.

Cllr Meisner said the council's planning committee will discuss the development in February.