The Council has started work on the preparation of a series of planning documents called the Local Development Framework (LDF). These documents will guide development and change in the borough over the next 15 years. The first and most important of these documents is the LDF Core Strategy, because this will set the course for everything to follow.

The Core Strategy will deal with the big strategic planning issues - how the area within Waltham Forest should develop and where developments should go in broad terms. It will focus on the key strategic key issues such as jobs, housing, town centres, health, education, transport, built and natural heritage and climate change.

Following the Issues and Options Stage the Council has now published the Preferred Options document for further public consultation.

Core Strategy Preferred Options

Consultation on the Core Strategy Preferred Options will run from Monday 11 January 2010 to Friday 19 February 2010.

Waltham Forest has a real opportunity to improve for the better. The regeneration that is happening throughout East London can bring new and exciting opportunities to the residents and businesses of Waltham Forest. However, to take full advantage of this, we need to plan for the future in a way that will maximise the benefits in the Borough for everyone.  

To take this forward, the Council is seeking feedback on a plan that sets out how the Council will manage and plan for change and development over the next 15 years. The plan is called the Local Development Framework Core Strategy Preferred Options document. This new plan deals with the most significant planning issues facing Waltham Forest. Planning affects many aspects of our lives: from where we can live, to where we can work, to where and how we can enjoy ourselves. So it is important that we get it right.

How does this affect me?

Evidence shows that people living in East London earn less money, have fewer qualifications and may lead less healthier lifestyles than people living in other parts of London. To change this, the key aim of our plan is to make sure that people living and working in Waltham Forest have the same life opportunities and experiences as the rest of London. To do this, the plan proposes policies that will bring better quality housing at prices local people can afford, create new, well paid jobs, and create an environment that will be attractive and green, making Waltham Forest the sort of place that people will want to live in for years to come.  

How do I get involved?

Our plan is now out for public consultation. It sets out the Council’s preferred policy options for creating a better Waltham Forest. These options have been proposed after listening to the previous comments of local people, businesses and government agencies at earlier stages in the plan’s preparation; as well as recommendations for further studies and the outcomes of the Sustainability Appraisal which has assed social, economic and environmental impacts of policies

Will my feedback be taken into consideration?

The Council really wants to hear your opinion on this very important document and whether or not you agree with the Council’s suggested policy approach.  After consultation has closed, the Council will consider your comments in a review of the plan.

Consultation on the Core Strategy Preferred Options will run from Monday 11 January 2010 to Friday 19 February 2010.  

Where can I view the document?

You can provide comment and view the document below or:

Core Strategy Preferred Options Documents

Download Core Strategy Preferred Options (3MB PDF file)

Download Core Strategy Preferred Options Summary Document (2MB PDF file)

Download Core Strategy Consultation Letter (29KB PDF file)

Download Core Strategy Preferred Options Questionnaire (439KB PDF file)

Core Strategy Supporting Documents

Download Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal (335KB PDF file)

Download Core Strategy Equalities Impact Assessment (201KB PDF file)

In addition to the main Preferred Options document, the Council also welcomes feedback on supporting documents. Should you wish to make comment on either of these documents you can write to the Council at the address below or email planning.policy@walthamforest.gov.uk.

For more informtion see:

For further information contact the Waltham Forest Spatial Planning Team on 020 8496 3000 or by email on planning.policy@walthamforest.gov.uk.

Spatial Planning
Environment and Regeneration
Fir Tree House
Waltham Forest Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF