Tower block plan in Leyton set for approval despite complaints

An application submitted by Newlon Housing Trust to develop a site in Dunedin Road, Leyton, is likely to be approved by Waltham Forest council’s planning committee next Tuesday (September 6).

The development will provide 84 new homes, half of which will be designated as “affordable” housing.

Many of the properties proposed are expected to be two or three storeys tall, with plans for a mix of family housing and apartments.

However, a 16-storey tower block is also planned at the western corner of the site near the junction of Ruckholt Road and Orient Way.

Some 34 complaints have been lodged with the council by residents and community groups voicing concerns over the plans.

Common issues raised included objections over the height and density or the development, as well as worries existing residents in the area could be affected by additional noise.

However, a report compiled by council officers concluded the tower block, while taller than other buildings in the surrounding area, was acceptable.

The report cited the Olympic Legacy Supplementary Planning Guide (SPG), which designated the site suitable for high-rise development.

The report said: “[The block] has been chosen to provide a key landmark to the site and was identified as an appropriate location for a landmark building.

“This site is in a prominent and highly visible “gateway” location at a key entrance point into the borough.

“The scheme provides an appropriate route through from existing properties in Dunedin Road.

“Overall, the scheme is considered to afford an exemplary design and therefore wholly accords with the relevant design and tall buildings policies contained within the Development Plan.”

The site of the proposed development currently stands derelict.

Applicant Newlon Housing Trust, is a non-profit housing association, which provides around 8,000 homes for residents across eight boroughs in north and east London.