An industrial site used for waste management and water treatment will become Leyton’s largest residential housing scheme. Waltham Forest Council […]By Waltham Forest Echo

The planned housing development at Gateway Road, Leyton, proposed by Bywaters Leyton Ltd

An industrial site used for waste management and water treatment will become Leyton’s largest residential housing scheme.

Waltham Forest Council granted planning permission for 730 new homes to be built at the Gateway Road site close to Leyton Orient FC’s Matchroom Stadium, sandwiched between two areas of allotments. Land owner Bywaters Leyton Ltd plans to move its current commercial waste centre to Bow, while Thames Water’s storm tanks would be relocated within the existing site.

Plans include a series of tower blocks up to 15 storeys high, as well as a new primary school and space for offices and shops. At least 21 percent of homes would be designated ‘affordable’ and more than £1million would be contributed towards improving local transport infrastructure.

John Glover, managing director of Bywaters, said: “The redevelopment will bring more investment into Leyton. We are extremely pleased Waltham Forest Council’s planning committee recognises the benefits the scheme will bring to the area.

“The development will deliver much-needed homes and help create a thriving business community with space for SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] and entrepreneurs. It’s a scheme the whole of Leyton and Waltham Forest will be proud of.”

In the council’s planning report the low level of proposed affordable housing was deemed ‘reasonable’ because of the high costs involved in relocating Thames Water’s storm tanks. The Environment Agency also stated that it was ‘satisfied’ despite part of the site being a designated flood zone, because the homes would be built at least 30cm above the ‘1 in 100’ flood probability.

Eight local residents objected, citing a lack of affordable housing and describing the towers as ‘out of keeping’ with the area. Waltham Forest planning officers nonetheless recommended planning approval, stating that the proposal “would represent a significant major regeneration”.

The Gateway Road scheme is the largest of three large housing schemes in the area, with Newlon Housing Trust’s plans for 84 homes in Dunedin Road granted permission in September, and 116 homes in Oliver Road currently being built by Tudorvale Properties.

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