Funding for the Plans

Most of the funding for the proposed new homes, workspace, shops and cafes, etc. will come from private developers. However, the plans also envisage significant investment in schools, parks, public transport, streets and other facilities to transform the Blackhorse Lane area and ensure existing services do not become over-stretched. This page outlines some of the main funding sources being used to deliver the programme.

The Council is funded by central government for the ongoing costs of services such as schools that may need to be expanded, so the proposals will not affect levels of Council tax.

Central Government Growth Fund

Since 2004, the Council has secured around £11.5M of Growth Funding for Blackhorse Lane through the Growth Fund (previously Growth Area Fund) which is intended to support housing growth. This has been spent on:

  • Developing the Blackhorse Lane plans, including extensive research and consultation
  • A renewed footpath and new bridge to Tottenham Marshes. Find out more
  • Phase 1 of a new road to improve road safety on Forest Road, provide access to the proposed new developments opposite Blackhorse Road Station and eventually link up with Blackhorse Lane to remove some traffic from the Royal Standard Junction. Find out more
  • Acquiring properties in Sutherland Road to enable the Council to bring forward regeneration of this run down industrial area. Find out more

Planning Obligations

In February 2009 the Council approved a Blackhorse Lane Planning Obligations Strategy which sets out how developers will be expected to contribute to the cost of schools, parks, public transport and street improvements through ‘Section 106’ payments.

» Download the Blackhorse Lane Planning Obligations Strategy (February 2009) (1.45MB PDF file)

Homes and Communities Agency

The Homes and Communities Agency is the national housing and regeneration agency for England, with an annual investment budget of more than £5bn. It was formed in December 2008 through a merger of English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation. The Council is working closely with the Agency to find ways in which it can support the Blackhorse Lane plans alongside other regeneration priorities in Waltham Forest.

London Development Agency

The London Development Agency is the Mayor of London’s agency responsible for driving London's sustainable economic growth. The Agency is supporting the Council’s work in Blackhorse Lane by funding a design framework and a number of feasibility studies including the proposed waterfront park, and new road.

Transport for London

Transport for London is investing millions of pounds in improving both Underground and Overground services from Blackhorse Road Station and is funding the Council to improve walking and cycling routes and for road safety schemes along Blackhorse Road, Blackhorse Lane and Billet Road. More details on the transport page

Building Schools for the Future

Building Schools for the Future is a Government initiative to transform Secondary education through renewing or refurbishing schools over the next 10-15 years. In Blackhorse Lane, Willowfield School on Clifton Avenue is to be rebuilt and expanded. The Council is currently consulting on the option of building the new school on a derelict industrial site beside Blackhorse Road Station.

» More about Building Schools for the Future in Waltham Forest

» More about the plans for Willowfield