Walthamstow building to become 22 new homes
Plans submitted to Waltham Forest Council propose converting a commercial storage unit into residential flats.
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Plans have been submitted to Waltham Forest Council that could see a commercial building in Sutherland Road, near Blackhorse Road Station, converted into 22 new homes. The proposal involves refurbishing the ground floor for continued retail use while transforming the upper levels into residential accommodation. The scheme, reported by Sebastian Mann for the Waltham Forest Echo, includes adding four storeys to the existing structure, with the top two floors set back.
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The proposed development would comprise five studio apartments, nine one-bedroom flats, five two-bedroom units, and three three-bedroom homes. Each dwelling is planned to have its own private balcony or terrace. The building is currently occupied by a wholesale fashion retailer using the space for storage. The applicants state the retailer intends to relocate to a purpose-built warehouse within the Blackhorse Lane area.
Local Context and Consultation
The developers describe the project as balancing the area's urban character with Waltham Forest Council's housing increase objectives, as outlined in its Local Plan. The council had previously designated the Blackhorse Lane area for 2,500 new homes by 2026. The application states that the scheme was developed through a series of meetings with the council's planning department, commencing in May of the previous year. A public consultation period ran from 10 December to 12 January, during which application forms were downloaded 50 times. No comments or objections were received from local residents.
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Delegated Decision
The proposed conversion has been delegated, meaning it may proceed without a formal decision from the council’s elected planning committee. Separately, plans for a nearby site at 22 Sutherland Road, which involve demolishing the existing structure to build 14 apartments across a part-three, part-four-storey building, have been recommended for approval by council planning officers.
Questions this report answers
+What kind of homes will the building become?
The building will be converted into 22 residential units, including five studio, nine one-bedroom, five two-bedroom, and three three-bedroom apartments. Each home will have its own private balcony or terrace, adding to the living space.
+Will the ground floor still be used for retail?
Yes, the ground floor will be refurbished and retained for retail use. The existing wholesale fashion retailer currently occupying the space plans to relocate to a purpose-built warehouse nearby.
+How many new storeys will be added to the building?
Four new storeys will be added above the existing structure. The top two floors will be set back, ensuring the building blends with its surroundings while maximising the new residential space.
+Will local residents have a say in this development?
A public consultation ran from 10 December to 12 January, but no comments or objections were received from local residents. The application was also developed through meetings with the council's planning department.
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