One of the main responsibilities of the Council is to provide a framework of policies by which key land-use decisions can be made. Planning policy is important in three ways:
- It helps shape the future of the borough (where development should go, how much to be provided, etc.)
- It helps achieve key objectives of the Council (as expressed in the Sustainable Community Strategy), and
- It helps to inform the process of determining planning applications.
Within the borough, planning policy is delivered in the following ways:
- The Unitary Development Plan (UDP). This is the key statutory planning document currently setting the planning policy framework of the borough. The Waltham Forest UDP was adopted March 2006.
- Supplementary Planning Guidance. This is more informal non-statutory guidance providing detailed policy on particular issues.
In September 2004, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act came into effect. This new legislation changed the way local councils plan for the future development needs of their community. This will see the eventual replacement of the UDP with a series of documents referred to as the Local Development Framework.
The Council’s planning policies are shaped by wider policies set at both national and regional levels.
Government policy
Government policy is generally contained in Planning Policy Statements (PPSs). These are a series of documents issued by the Communities and Local Government setting out government policy and advice on planning issues.
Government’s Planning Policies
The London plan
The London plan is prepared by the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority and contains London-wide planning policies.
Greater London Authority's web site
Contact us
Spatial Planning
Environment and Regeneration
Sycamore House
Waltham Forest Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
tel 020 8496 3000
email planning.policy@walthamforest.gov.uk
