Hundreds of homes set to be built opposite Leyton Orient’s football ground One of the largest single planning applications in the history of the […]By Waltham Forest Echo

Hundreds of homes set to be built opposite Leyton Orient’s football ground

One of the largest single planning applications in the history of the borough has been submitted to Waltham Forest Council.

Plans for The Score Centre site opposite Coronation Gardens and Leyton Orient’s football ground include 750 homes, a new indoor sports complex, health centre, commercial space, civic square, nursery and district heating centre. The homes include 48% designated as ‘affordable’ and would be provided in a series of tower blocks up to 18 storeys tall.

If approved, it would mean the demolition of the existing indoor sports centre in Oliver Road. Outdoor sports pitches would also be built on, although they are no longer in use after the opening of nearby facilities at Ive Farm last year. Part of an adjacent commercial waste and recycling centre would be included in the new residential site.

Taylor Wimpey won a council bidding process to become the developer for the scheme. David Pelle, the company’s land and planning director in East London, said: “We are delighted to have submitted this application, working with Waltham Forest Council, stakeholders, and the local community.

“Alongside high-quality public areas the development includes a new health hub. Facilities are at the heart of this new neighbourhood centred around a high-quality public square and open spaces.

“The development will create approximately 200 long-term full-time jobs across a range of sectors, as well as construction jobs for the area including 38 training placements.

“We are pleased to put forward proposals which we believe will provide a positive legacy for the borough.”

Of the 358 ‘affordable’ homes provided, 272 will be offered as shared ownership and 86 will be for rent, although the council has not yet clarified at what price level they will be let.

Around 170 new trees would be planted as part of the development’s landscaping, with the new civic square created directly opposite Coronation Gardens to help attract people to walk through from Leyton High Road. It is hoped the public space will become a “focal point” with outdoor markets and performances held there. The new sports centre would include five basketball courts that can also be used for badminton, volleyball, netball, gymnastics and five-a-side football.

A council spokesperson said: “This is an exciting project that will deliver a large number of new homes for local people while delivering facilities for health care, pre-school children and an indoor leisure centre with community facilities.

“The civic square will provide a focal point for this part of the borough where residents can shop, visit restaurants or just enjoy being in the fresh air.

“It has been designed to help reduce the impact of the climate emergency with solar panels to generate electricity, a district heating energy centre, as well as specially-designed waste management facilities to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.”

If granted planning permission later this year the scheme is due to be completed by 2027.

More information on the plans can be found online: Visit walthamforest.gov.uk/ScoreCentre

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