MORE health facilities, school places and transport links are needed if a new housing development is given the go-ahead, Lib Dem councillors say.

Higham Hill ward councillors are calling for improved infrastructure to cope with 82 affordable homes to be built in Sutherland Road, Walthamstow, if permission is granted by the council's planning committee tomorrow.

The proposed Hadly Homes development - known as Papermill Place Phase 3 - as part of a larger development in the Blackhorse Lane area, would have buildings up to six storeys high, with homes ranging from one to four bedrooms and a basement car park.

Ward councillor Patrick Smith said Higham Hill Focus Team councillors, including Cllr Sean Meiszner and Cllr Peter Woolcott, support the family homes but want more amenities for residents.

He said: “We are still waiting for community amenities for new families. The council is making progress on a new health centre but at the moment there are just three GP surgeries in Higham Hill and we want improved access to health care.”

Cllr Smith said the ward councillors want the S106 requirement money to be allocated to improving the Higham Hill recreation ground for children.

He also said they are also concerned about a lack of school places in the area, and believe the design of the underground car park could make it a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

He said: “Residents we have spoken to are not completely happy with it, but we do want more family housing. But we are not convinced that the needs for the community development are being addressed.”

The proposal will be considered by the council's planning committee tomorrow evening (Tuesday) at the Town Hall.