Development Plan Documents

Updating the Unitary Development Plan

What is the Unitary Development Plan (or UDP)?

One of the main duties of the Council is to plan for the use of land. This includes producing a local development plan which sets the guidelines for deciding planning applications. Land for development is in short supply and under increasing pressure for many types of use. The aim of the plan is to guide development so that it meets the borough's needs for new homes, jobs, shops and leisure facilities but does not spoil our built and open environment.

The Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan was adopted by the Council in January, 1996. It consists of a Written Statement containing planning policies and proposals, and a Proposals Map. The Plan shows areas of land where development of new homes, jobs, open space and other facilities will be allowed and areas where there are restrictions on development. The Unitary Development Plan ("UDP"):

  • tells people what types of developments are likely to get planning permission.
  • provides guidelines the Council will use for deciding on planning applications and to defend its planning decisions at planning appeals.
  • seeks to secure the best use of land and buildings to meet the wishes and needs of the community.

The Unitary Development Plan is part of the Council's strategy for making Waltham Forest a better place to live and work. The overall aims and objectives of the plan are confined by legislation to matters affecting the use and development of land. It was formally "adopted" - i.e. brought into full effect by the Council in January 1996.

Why is it being updated?

The Government wants councils to keep their UDP's up to date - due to their importance in the planning system. The background work for the current UDP was largely carried out in the early 1990's when the Plan was being drawn up.

Along with most other London Boroughs the Council has to review the UDP to take account of changed local circumstances and/or new Government policies.

Issues considered as part of the UDP Review

These include:

  • Sustainability, traffic restraint and the encouragement of alternative forms of transport to the private car.
  • Changes in the local economy - which has seen a loss of manufacturing jobs and large firms and the growth of distribution and retail warehouse employment.
  • Assessing the problems of re-using land that has been already built on for new uses.
  • What amount of new housing the borough expects to see over the next 10-15 years.
  • How 'healthy' the borough's main shopping centres are and whether further planning policies can be drawn up to help them.
  • Whether further leisure and tourism facilities (e.g. hotels and B&B accommodation) should be allowed in the borough.
  • Whether there is scope for encouraging car-free developments and introducing cycle parking standards in the Waltham Forest UDP.

What does the UDP Review involve?

1. Issue Papers

In January 2000, we published a series of technical 'Issues Papers' on five key policy areas. These were intended to offer specialist local groups and organisations an early opportunity to comment on proposals the Council had in mind for the review. They covered:

  • Local Economy, Industry and Commerce
  • Town Centres and Retailing
  • Transport
  • Housing
  • Open Environment

2. The First Deposit UDP (February 2002)

Following analysis of comments received on the Issues Papers and further analysis undertaken, we published a revised version of the UDP in February 2002. This Plan was placed on 'deposit' - for public consultation during the period between 7th February 2002 and 21st March 2002. The Council has considered all the representations received and published a Schedule of Representations/Objections and Proposed Council Responses.

3. The Second Deposit UDP (March 2003)

This version of the UDP shows all the changes made following the First Deposit consultation in February/March 2002. It was published for further public consultation during April and May 2003.

4. Pre-Inquiry Changes

In the light of comments received to the ‘Second Deposit Draft’ UDP and because of recent changes in circumstances, the Council has published Pre-Inquiry Changes to the Plan. The consultation period on this document ran from 17 June 2004 until 2 August 2004.

5. Public Inquiry

The Inquiry into the Waltham Forest UDP opened on 11 January 2005 and closed on 23 February 2005. It was chaired by Mrs Daphne Mair, BA (Econ), MPhil, MRTPI – the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. The Inspector’s Report was published in August 2005.

6. Response to the Inspector’s Report and Proposed Modifications (October 2005)

The Council considered its response to the Inspector’s report and published a Statement of Decisions and Reasons and Proposed Modifications to the UDP for 6 weeks public consultation (from 13 October 2005 to 28 November 2005.

7. Proposed Further Modifications (Technical Amendments)

Further modifications to the Plan were published for consultation – from 15 December 2005 to 27 January 2006.

8. Next stage - Adoption of the UDP

On 23 February 2006, the Council passed a resolution to adopt the emerging UDP – as modified at the Post Inquiry Stage. As required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Council submitted a notice of intention to adopt the UDP to the Secretary of State. A notice of adoption has now been published.

Copies of the Plan

  • Copies of the UDP - existing/revised versions are available for public inspection at the following venues free of charge, during business hours (Monday to Friday between 9.00am - 5.00pm)
  • a) Sycamore House (reception), Forest Road, E17
  • a) Waltham Forest Town Hall (information desk), Forest Road, E17
  • Copies are also available for reference use at Walthamstow Central Library and at all other Waltham Forest Branch Libraries.
  • Copies are also on sale to local residents and firms.