CONSERVATION groups are rejoicing after plans for blocks of flats to be built within Lea Valley Park were thrown out.
Waltham Forest Council refused an application by Essex Wharf Homes yesterday to build 144-flats in blocks up to nine-storeys high in Essex Wharf, off Lea Bridge Road, in Leyton.
The council said the plans were rejected because the size of the block would have a “detrimental impact” on the riverside and landscape setting and because it was excessively high and 'bulky' for the area.
Several groups fought to protect the area close to protected marshland, the River Lea and Navigation canal and playing fields.
Groups which objected include, Waltham Forest Civic Society, the Blackhorse Road Action Group, the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) and New Lammas Lands Defence Committee.
Chairman of the New Lammas Lands Defence Committee which held a protest against the proposals, Joe Wade, said: “We are very pleased that Waltham Forest Council has responded properly to the representations made, not just by the New Lammas Lands Defence Committee, but from a range of community organisations.
“The height of these buildings would create a total barrier to users of the tow path, blocking the views of Walthamstow Marshes. It was generally out of character with the area.”
Walthamstow resident, Adrian Stannard, sent a three-page letter on behalf of Waltham Forest Civic Society, which raised concerns about building on land susceptible to flooding from the River Lea.
The Society also objected to the design and scale of the building, which it said would impact negatively on the green space.
It said: “The unique character of this canal-side and marshland fringe is part of the magnificent and irreplaceable asset that the Lea Valley Park is in this lower Walthamstow and Leyton Marsh area.
"The open views across the Marshes will be ruined by such a dominating set of buildings.”
The group acknowledged the need for housing in the borough but said appropriate infrastructure would also be needed, including good transport links and close proximity to schools and health facilities.
Hackney Council's planning committee objected to the development in February because councillors were concerned that the scale was excessive and would impact negatively on the “unique character” of the area on the borough's border.
A 2008 application to build 167 flats on the same site was also rejected and dismissed on appeal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here