Showing posts with label WF Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WF Council. Show all posts
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Friday, 13 February 2015
Lea Bridge Station update
Please see this extract from Stella Creasey MP's newsletter:
"Regenerating Walthamstow: Lea Bridge Station & St James St Updates
This week I have had updates on two local regeneration projects which I know are of interest to local residents. Firstly, many residents have been in touch regarding the proposed rebuilding and opening of the Lea Bridge Station which was planned for December 2015. The Council have now informed me that three rail freight operators have raised objections during the consultation regarding the new station proposals. I have been assured that Network Rail are now working through the objections with the rail freight operators and the council are confident they can be resolved to allow work to start. It is not currently clear how long it will take to resolve these objections. The Council expects to have a better idea "during the spring" as to when the works are likely to start. I have asked for more information on this and will update this e-newsletter as soon as I have details as to what this may mean for this project."
There is a WF Lea Bridge Ward Community Forum this week, Wednesday 3rd February, 6-30pm at the Lea Bridge Library Lea Bridge Road (near Markhouse/ Church Road corner). Cllr Masood Ahmad, who will chair the meeting, went to election last May on the basis that the station reconstruction was already an achievement. Anyone can attend the meeting although the Chair may limit speaking rights to residents. High numbers attending would underline public interest in the station being reopened.
Claire
There is a WF Lea Bridge Ward Community Forum this week, Wednesday 3rd February, 6-30pm at the Lea Bridge Library Lea Bridge Road (near Markhouse/ Church Road corner). Cllr Masood Ahmad, who will chair the meeting, went to election last May on the basis that the station reconstruction was already an achievement. Anyone can attend the meeting although the Chair may limit speaking rights to residents. High numbers attending would underline public interest in the station being reopened.
Claire
Sunday, 14 September 2014
Raids, Rationing and Riots
To: Adrian.C.Stannard@btinternet. com
|
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Access closed by Network Rail
Dear Masood and Stella,c: Briggs Hannah <Hannah.Briggs@networkrail.co.uk>, Belcher Adrian <Adrian.Belcher@networkrail. co.uk>
Subject: RE: URGENT REQUEST RE LAND ACCESS CLOSURE BY NETWORK RAIL
Dear Stella
Land Access Closure – Walthamstow Marshes
Thank you for your email below in respect of the above.
Our route crime team took the decision to lock the gates a couple of weeks ago on the ground of trespassers who have been trespassing on the land around the marshes.
Unfortunately we have suffered numerous incidents caused by trespassers which had direct implications on the safe running of the lines. Additionally our mobile operations managers have attended the sites on several occasions and found trespassers, illegal
camping, dwelling on the land and also some illegal activities around the land. Land Sheriffs (our security contractors) attended this site as well on frequent occasions, and found the risk of cable theft and illegal activities being too high and recommended
we close the gates.
As such we would not be comfortable unlocking the gates at this stage. I understand this can be a frustration for some of your constituents, however safety is
our number one priority as such the decision was made to lock the gates and restrict access to our land.
Whilst conducting a fence line walk at this location, we noticed that our newly erected signs on the triangle access had been vandalised. The vandalism consists
of graffiti on all signs, all of which being in black permanent marker and one sign had been ripped down (please see below photographs). These have now been replaced by our land sheriff team (final photograph).
I hope you find the above information useful.
Kind Regards
Fed Hussain
Community Relations Executive
Communications
www.networkrail.co.uk
From:
stellacreasy@gmail.com [mailto:stellacreasy@gmail.com]
On Behalf Of stella creasy
Sent: 25 August 2014 22:59
To: Belcher Adrian; Hussain Fadaia;
cllr.masood.ahmad@walthamforest.gov.uk;
cllr.yemi.osho@walthamforest.gov.uk
Subject: Fwd: URGENT REQUEST RE LAND ACCESS CLOSURE BY NETWORK RAIL
Hello Adrian and Fed,
Please see below for further correspondence on the access to the marshes Network Rail provides and a query one of the local councillors has passed to me- I'd appreciate your help getting them a response to this query that they can share
with Claire.
Masood/Yemi- hope this is helpful,
kind regards
Stella
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cllr Masood Ahmad <Cllr.Masood.Ahmad@walthamforest.gov.uk>
Date: Thu, Aug 21, 2014 at 2:37 PM
Subject: Fwd: URGENT REQUEST RE LAND ACCESS CLOSURE BY NETWORK RAIL
To: Cllr Enquiries <Cllr.Enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk>, Cllr Mohammed Asghar <Cllr.Mohammad.Asghar@ walthamforest.gov.uk>, Cllr Yemi Osho
<Cllr.Yemi.Osho@walthamforest.gov.uk>, Mariam Ifzal <Mariam.Ifzal@walthamforest. gov.uk>
Cc: stella creasy <stella@workingforwalthamstow.org.uk>
Please forward this urgent enquiry to the relevant people for quick response.
Residents need to know what's happening around Marshes. I think enclosed email is quite self explanatory.
Regards
Cllr M Ahmad
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Claire Weiss <claireweiss@hotmail.com>
Date: 20 August 2014 20:02:58 BST
To: cllr masood ahmad <cllr.masood.ahmad@walthamforest.gov.uk>, "cllr.mohammad.asghar@ walthamforest.gov.uk"
<cllr.mohammad.asghar@walthamforest.gov.uk>, "cllr.yemi.osho@walthamforest. gov.uk" <cllr.yemi.osho@walthamforest. gov.uk>
Subject: URGENT REQUEST RE LAND ACCESS CLOSURE BY NETWORK RAIL
Dear Waltham Forest Lea Bridge Councillors
This is an urgent request to ask that Waltham Forest Council through yourselves takes steps to contact Network Rail immediately about the locking of an area of land on the Marshes in contravention of its open access
history and character. See the attached photograph.
A number of people from Waltham Forest and the Hackney side of the River Lea have expressed their extreme concern and I have agreed to approach you. I have copied in to this email Cllr Ian Rathbone from Lea Bridge Ward LB Hackney, and I do recommend that there
is some communication about this and other matters between the Councillors of both sides of the River.
You will be aware that I have already contacted you about TfL proposals re Cross Rail, and you will be aware that there has been talk of a tunnel portal on the Marshes in this connection. I suspect that none of this has been properly referred to Waltham Forest
Council let alone residents. This leads to suspicion as to the intentions of Network Rail in closing the access to this land. None of the current TfL proposals should merit the unilateral and immediate closing off of a part of the Marshes without warning or
consultation.
Please would you urgently ascertain from Network Rail what on earth they are doing, and explain to them the nature of this part of our valuable open space.
I hope to hear from you as soon as possible, and will be circulating any news to those interested.
Many thanks,
Claire Weiss
Many thanks for your actions in obtaining this response from Network Rail about their fencing off and locking of a piece of open-access land. I have already shared the response with others who are interested in protecting the Marshes, and a number of issues have arisen.
Firstly, of course the need to ensure the safety of railway lines is totally recognised by everyone I have been in correspondence with. Network Rail obviously have a responsibility for that. People also recognise that formal camping on the Marshes without permission is not allowed nor is taking up residence there. But many of us have had picnics there and spent time on the Marshes under pop-up shelters without feeling the heavy hand of the Land Sheriffs.
However the Network Rail letter alleges that there have been:
- trespassers who have been trespassing on the land around the Marshes
- numerous incidents caused by trespassers that had implications for the railway
- more trespassers
- illegal camping
- dwelling
- illegal activities
- risk of cable theft and illegal activities
- graffitti on Network Rail signs and removal of one
I am puzzled by a) the vagueness of this and b) the apparent failure of Network Rail to point to their wider environmental responsibilities and duties of care. The Triangle land, while it is owned by Network Rail, is neither a station nor car park: it is an integral part of the Walthamstow Marshes SSSI. It is a protected wild environment that also offers a unique bit of semi-privacy, and its traditional use for informal enjoyment has been recognised locally for decades. With four mentions of trespassing and three mentions of illegal activities in the letter you might think that Network Rail were on to something important. But somehow they never quite say what's going on. Apart from the attaching of four photographs of graffitteed signs, they have provided no other evidence of the trespassing or illegal activities that they allege, nor have they named examples of what they claim to have found. And while they mention their security company there is no mention of any recourse to, or advice from, the British Transport Police.
I am left wondering to what extent their account can be substantiated. Specifically, I would like to know what they mean about:
- "trespassers who have been trespassing around the Marshes". The wording indicates that that Network Rail is not referring to people climbing onto the railway lines. I am not aware that it is possible to be a trespasser on the Marshes and would like to know where, precisely, Network Rail regards a person as a 'trespasser around the Marshes'?
- "numerous incidents". How many, in what period of time, and what kind of incidents? What evidence have they collected? Have they reported any criminal activity to the Police? Have they challenged any alleged perpetrators of incidents face-to-face? What records do they keep about this?
- what precisely are the 'illegal activities' other than camping or dwelling?
Next, I believe there may be some wider social implications of this situation:
1. According to reports from local residents, the fencing off and locking of The Triangle appears to have had the possible knock-on effect of causing people's informal enjoyment of the Marshes (and here I mean people engaging in sexual activity) to be spread wider to more open areas and to become more visible. For some local residents this has become undesirable.
2. At the same time, there have been reports that vulnerable people who may have had to resort to a life in the open air were using The Triangle. Where destruction such as unchecked campfires and the abandoning of rubbish accompanies these situations, of course most people recognise that there needs to be quick action for the sake of the environment. Nevertheless there are agencies with responsibilities for assisting those who sleep rough - and which should have the training and resources to deal with sensitive and harrowing situations. The Network Rail letter gives no indication of awareness of this.
3. According to a report on a social network, some fear has arisen (in the wake of an appalling attack on a woman jogger elsewhere in the Borough) that the Marshes are becoming less safe. This is unfortunate in itself, because nothing breeds fear more than fear itself, but also because I am witnessing an associated growing demonisation of some social groups (for instance homeless people, gay people) that may or may not be involved, and a resort to discriminatory assumptions about what is illegal.
In summary I am afraid that Network Rail, with its rather clumsy approach to the questions, is compounding the issues rather than solving them. Stella and Masood, do you agree that in connection with managing The Triangle land, Network Rail should be encouraged to collaborate with the LVRPA, the Environment Agency, local Councils, not least local residents and Marsh users, and pay more attention to their environmental responsibilities and duties of care, in addition to protecting the safety of the tracks?
Masood, as I have suggested in an earlier email, we desperately need to have a WF Lea Bridge Ward Community Forum - none has been held since December 2013. Could we join up with other Ward Forums that cover Walthamstow Marsh and Leyton Marsh and invite Network Rail to come? You may be aware that there are parallel questions that need to be put to the Council in Leyton Ward - where large areas of natural habitat have been deliberately cut back and destroyed by the Council in the name of clearing rubbish and deterring unauthorised use. The Marshes are under attack from many angles.
Best regards,
Claire
SLM Photo Exhibition at the Vestry House Museum
Vestry House Museum
Hi all
A quick note to let you know that the SLM photo competition is now hanging at the Vestry House Museum in Walthamstow.
Best wishes
Abi
Hi all
A quick note to let you know that the SLM photo competition is now hanging at the Vestry House Museum in Walthamstow.
Best wishes
Abi
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Crossrail 2
Dear all,
Please find the update I have received from Neil Bullen at LBWF regarding the proposed route of CrossRail.
It's good that any possible threats to the SSSI and to the Lea Bridge Station now seem to be discounted at this stage in the consultation.
However I still think that Waltham Forest is missing out not getting a link to Cross Rail.
Thankyou to Stella and Councillors for having raised this matter with LBWF.
Claire Weiss
Please find the update I have received from Neil Bullen at LBWF regarding the proposed route of CrossRail.
It's good that any possible threats to the SSSI and to the Lea Bridge Station now seem to be discounted at this stage in the consultation.
However I still think that Waltham Forest is missing out not getting a link to Cross Rail.
Thankyou to Stella and Councillors for having raised this matter with LBWF.
Claire Weiss
> From: Neil.Bullen@walthamforest.gov. uk
> Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2014 15:46:11 +0000
>
> Dear Claire
>
> Thank you for your recent query.
>
> The alignment for the new Crossrail 2 line has changed. In the earlier proposal, the line from Hackney came into Waltham Forest with a tunnel portal (where the line emerges from underground) likely to be somewhere in the Lea Bridge area.
>
> However, in the latest Transport for London consultation, the route alignment has changed and does not come into Waltham Forest at all. After leaving Hackney, the line turns north and emerges from tunnel just before Tottenham Hale station in the London Borough of Haringey. It therefore has no effect on the SSSI in Waltham Forest.
>
> The revised alignment will also have no effect on the reopening of Lea Bridge Station.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Neil Bullen
> Manager Transport Planning
> London Borough of Waltham Forest
> Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2014 15:46:11 +0000
>
> Dear Claire
>
> Thank you for your recent query.
>
> The alignment for the new Crossrail 2 line has changed. In the earlier proposal, the line from Hackney came into Waltham Forest with a tunnel portal (where the line emerges from underground) likely to be somewhere in the Lea Bridge area.
>
> However, in the latest Transport for London consultation, the route alignment has changed and does not come into Waltham Forest at all. After leaving Hackney, the line turns north and emerges from tunnel just before Tottenham Hale station in the London Borough of Haringey. It therefore has no effect on the SSSI in Waltham Forest.
>
> The revised alignment will also have no effect on the reopening of Lea Bridge Station.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Neil Bullen
> Manager Transport Planning
> London Borough of Waltham Forest
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Hoggin Path - Officers report
LONDON BOROUGH OF WALTHAM FOREST
Committee/Date: Planning - 01 July 2014
Application reference: 2014/0844
Applicant: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
Location: Leyton Marsh, Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL
Proposed development: Formation of 220m long new hoggin path along river
bank and installation of 32 mooring posts
Wards affected: Lea Bridge
Appendices: N/A
1 RECOMMENDATION
1.1 GRANT planning permission subject to conditions
2 REASONS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
- There is significant public interest
3 DETAILS OF PROPOSAL AND SURROUNDINGS
3.1 The site comprises a section of river bank on the eastern side of the
River Lea, close to Lee Valley Ice Centre on the Lea Bridge Road. The
site is in Leyton Marsh, an area of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), a
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Site of Metropolitan
Importance for Nature Conservation within the Lee Valley Regional
Park.
3.2 The application relates to the proposed formation of a 220m long new
hoggin path as well as a series of 32 mooring posts.
3.3 According to the submitted information, boats have moored along this
section of the river for many years. The application seeks to improve
the current earthen path with a more durable hoggin path, and create
new mooring posts to provide more convenient and tidier mooring for
the boats.
3.4 A hoggin path is a pedestrian path composed of an equal mixture of
clay, gravel and sand. It has a natural appearance appropriate to more
sensitive locations. It will be level with the surrounding ground and will
not be edged. It is 0.6m wide.
3.5 The mooring posts are 0.3m high, coloured white and set in concrete
bases with top soil above. They are installed at 7m intervals along the
riverbank. This part of the development (the installation of the posts)
has already been carried out.
4 RELEVANT SITE HISTORY
4.1 There is no relevant planning history for this site.
Page 43 Agenda Item 53(Item 5.1)
5 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
5.1 Notification letters were sent on 1 May 2014 to 71 properties in the
flatted development on the opposite river bank. A series of site notices
were placed on both sides of the river bank on 6 May 2014.
6 DEVELOPMENT PLAN
6.1 Adopted Waltham Forest Core Strategy 2012
6.2 The Waltham Forest Core Strategy (2012) was adopted in March 2012.
The Core Strategy contains 16 policies designed to deliver the
Council’s vision for the physical, economic, environmental and social
development of the Borough. These policies will be used to direct and
manage development and regeneration activity for the next 15 years,
up to 2026.
6.3 The policies considered relevant to this application are as follows:
6.3.1 CS5: Enhancing Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity
6.3.2 CS13: Promoting Health and Well Being
6.3.3 CS15: Well Designed Buildings, Places and Spaces
6.4 Waltham Forest Local Plan Development Management Policies 2013
6.5 The Local Plan Development Management Policies Document was
adopted in November 2013. This sets out the borough-wide policies
that implement the Core Strategy and delivering the long term spatial
vision and strategic place shaping objectives. There is an emphasis on
collaboration and a positive proactive approach to reaching a balance
agreement that solves problems rather than a compromise that fails to
meet objectives. The following policies are relevant in this case:
DM12 - Open Space, Sports and Recreation
DM29 - Design Principles, Standards and Local Distinctiveness
6.6 London Plan 2011
6.7 The London Plan is the overall strategic plan for London, and it sets out
a fully integrated economic, environmental, transport and social
framework for the development of the capital to 2031. It was adopted in
July 2011.
6.8 The Lee Valley Regional Park Plan (2000) contains the policies and
objectives for the Lee Valley Regional Park. The emerging Lee Valley
Park Development Framework will establish the authority’s aspirations
and specific proposals for the future use and development of the
Regional Park.
7 MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
7.1 NPPF
7.1.1 The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s
planning policies for England and how these are expected to be
Page 44(Item 5.1)
applied. It is a material consideration in planning decisions. It contains
a presumption in favour of sustainable development, described as “a
golden thread running through both plan-making and decision-taking.”
7.1.2 For decision-taking the NPPF states that the presumption means
“approving development proposals that accord with the development
plan without delay” and where the development plan is “absent, silent
or relevant policies are out-of-date, granting permission unless adverse
impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits,
when assessed against the policies in the Framework as a whole; “
7.1.3 The whole of the NPPF is potentially material to this application, but the
specific policy areas considered directly relevant are as follows:
7.1.3.1. Requiring good design
7.1.3.2. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment
7.2 Local Finance Considerations
7.2.1 Local Finance Considerations are a material consideration in the
determination of all planning applications. Local Finance
Considerations can include either a grant that has been or would be
given to the Council from central government or money that the council
has received or will or could receive in terms of Community
Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
7.2.2 There are no grants which have been or will or could be received from
central government in relation to this development.
7.2.3 The Council has not received and does not expect to receive any
income from CIL in relation to this development.
8 REPRESENTATIONS
8.1 One letter of objection has been received from the Mount Pleasant Hill
(Hackney) Management Company Ltd. A further seven objections have
been received from local residents. The objections are summarised as
follows:
8.1.1 Increased human activity will have an environmental impact. Comment:
This issue is considered later in this report.
8.1.2 The hoggin path is unnecessary as there is already a mud path.
Comment: Whether a development is strictly necessary is not a
material planning consideration.
8.1.3 The proposals will reduce the ‘wildness’ of this part of the riverbank.
Comment: This issue is considered later in this report.
8.1.4 The proposals will lead to a loss of wildlife habitat. Comment: This
issue is considered later in this report.
8.1.5 The proposals represent a ‘commercialisation’ or ‘privatisation’ of the
marsh. Comment: This is not a material planning consideration.
Page 45(Item 5.1)
8.1.6 The moorings require planning permission. Comment: This application
seeks permission for the installation of mooring posts and the new
towpath only.
8.1.7 The occupiers of the moored boats create a nuisance in terms of noise
and rubbish. Comment: It is understood that boats have been mooring
in this location for many years. This application does not seek
permission for the mooring, but for the path and installation of mooring
posts.
8.1.8 The Council failed to provide sufficient notification of the proposals to
local residents. Comment: As detailed in paragraph 5.1, a total of 71
letters were sent to residents living opposite the site and site notices
were erected on both sides of the riverbank. The Council has met its
obligations in respect of notification.
8.1.9 There are errors on the application form. In particular, it is not stated
that this is designated SSSI and MOL land. Comment: The Council are
aware of the designations affecting this site and have taken them into
account when assessing the application.
8.1.10 The applicant cut down much of the vegetation around the path prior to
submitting the application. Comment: This is not material to the
assessment of this application.
8.1.11 The mooring posts have already been installed. Comment: It is
acknowledged that the mooring posts have already been installed. The
Council can grant retrospective permission for the posts, if minded to
do so.
9 ASSESSMENT
9.1 Hoggin paths are formed of clay, gravel and sand, and the proposed
path will therefore have a similar appearance to the existing
mud/earthen path. It will integrate with its surroundings in terms of its
visual appearance and is an appropriate addition to this sensitive
location.
9.2 The existing path is uneven and becomes muddy when it rains,
representing a hazard and inconvenience to pedestrians. The new path
will improve accessibility along the riverbank, to the benefit of visitors to
the marsh.
9.3 The mooring posts are modest in size and scale (0.3m high) and do not
have a material visual impact on the sensitive Leyton Marsh location.
Posts of this type do not appear incongruous in a canal-side location.
9.4 Prior to the installation of the posts, boats moored in an ad hoc fashion,
using ropes and pins. Some of these ropes crossed the existing path,
creating a hazard to pedestrians and reducing the towpath’s
accessibility to the public.
9.5 Given the modest scale of the proposals and the use of natural
materials for the path, it is not likely that there will be any adverse
impact on the SSSI or the MOL.
Page 46(Item 5.1)
9.6 There is an existing towpath in this location and boats have been
mooring along the banks of the river for many years. The replacement
path and new moorings are not likely to lead to a material increase in
human activity in this location, and there is not expected to be a
harmful impact on ecological habitats.
Conclusion
9.7 The path replaces a similar path in the same location and will use
natural materials. It will improve the accessibility of the river bank. The
mooring posts are modest in size and scale and will not appear out of
place in this location. There will be no harmful impact on local wildlife
and ecology.
10 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
10.1 Public Sector Equality Duty
10.1.1 In making your decision you must have regard to the public sector
equality duty (PSED) under s.149 of the Equalities Act. This means that
the Council must have due regard to the need (in discharging its
functions) to:
A. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and
other conduct prohibited by the Act
B. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a
protected characteristic and those who do not. This may include
removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by persons who share
a relevant protected characteristic that are connected to that
characteristic; taking steps to meet the special needs of those with a
protected characteristic; encouraging participation in public life (or other
areas where they are underrepresented) of people with a protected
characteristic(s).
C. Foster good relations between people who share a protected
characteristic and those who do not including tackling prejudice and
promoting understanding.
10.1.2 The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment,
pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual
orientation.
10.1.3 The PSED must be considered as a relevant factor in making this
decision but does not impose a duty to achieve the outcomes in s.149
is only one factor that needs to be considered, and may be balance
against other relevant factors.
10.1.4 It is not considered that the recommendation to grant permission in this
case will have a disproportionately adverse impact on a protected
characteristic.
10.2 Human Rights
10.2.1 In making your decision, you should be aware of and take into account
any implications that may arise from the Human Rights Act 1998.
Page 47(Item 5.1)
Under the Act, it is unlawful for a public authority such as the London
Borough of Waltham Forest to act in a manner that is incompatible with
the European Convention on Human Rights.
You are referred specifically to Article 8 (right to respect for private and
family life), Article 1 of the First Protocol (protection of property). It is
not considered that the recommendation to grant permission in this
case interferes with local residents' right to respect for their private and
family life, home and correspondence, except insofar as it is necessary
to protect the rights and freedoms of others (in this case, the rights of
the applicant). The Council is also permitted to control the use of
property in accordance with the general interest and the
recommendation to grant permission is considered to be a
proportionate response to the submitted application based on the
considerations set out in this report.
11 RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Committee is requested to resolve that planning
permission be granted subject to the following conditions:
11.1 Conditions and Reasons:
1. The development to which this permission relates must be begun
not later than the expiration of three years beginning from the date
of this decision notice.
2. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the plan
labelled 'Leyton Marsh New Hoggin Path and Mooring Posts',
received on 4 April 2014
Reasons:
1 To comply with the provisions of Section 91(1)(a) of the Town and
Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).
2 To ensure the development is completed in accordance with the
approved details.
11.2 Informatives:
1. To assist applicants the Local Planning Authority has produced
policies and provided written guidance, all of which is available on
the Council's website and which have been followed in this instance
12 BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
12.1 The background information for this application is the relevant
application file, the application and any related history files,
together with relevant planning policy/policies at National,
London and Local level.
Page 48(Item 5.1)
12.2 These documents are available for inspection Monday to Fridays
between 9am and 5pm at Sycamore House, Town Hall, Forest
Road, E17 4JF
Committee/Date: Planning - 01 July 2014
Application reference: 2014/0844
Applicant: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
Location: Leyton Marsh, Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL
Proposed development: Formation of 220m long new hoggin path along river
bank and installation of 32 mooring posts
Wards affected: Lea Bridge
Appendices: N/A
1 RECOMMENDATION
1.1 GRANT planning permission subject to conditions
2 REASONS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
- There is significant public interest
3 DETAILS OF PROPOSAL AND SURROUNDINGS
3.1 The site comprises a section of river bank on the eastern side of the
River Lea, close to Lee Valley Ice Centre on the Lea Bridge Road. The
site is in Leyton Marsh, an area of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), a
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Site of Metropolitan
Importance for Nature Conservation within the Lee Valley Regional
Park.
3.2 The application relates to the proposed formation of a 220m long new
hoggin path as well as a series of 32 mooring posts.
3.3 According to the submitted information, boats have moored along this
section of the river for many years. The application seeks to improve
the current earthen path with a more durable hoggin path, and create
new mooring posts to provide more convenient and tidier mooring for
the boats.
3.4 A hoggin path is a pedestrian path composed of an equal mixture of
clay, gravel and sand. It has a natural appearance appropriate to more
sensitive locations. It will be level with the surrounding ground and will
not be edged. It is 0.6m wide.
3.5 The mooring posts are 0.3m high, coloured white and set in concrete
bases with top soil above. They are installed at 7m intervals along the
riverbank. This part of the development (the installation of the posts)
has already been carried out.
4 RELEVANT SITE HISTORY
4.1 There is no relevant planning history for this site.
Page 43 Agenda Item 53(Item 5.1)
5 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
5.1 Notification letters were sent on 1 May 2014 to 71 properties in the
flatted development on the opposite river bank. A series of site notices
were placed on both sides of the river bank on 6 May 2014.
6 DEVELOPMENT PLAN
6.1 Adopted Waltham Forest Core Strategy 2012
6.2 The Waltham Forest Core Strategy (2012) was adopted in March 2012.
The Core Strategy contains 16 policies designed to deliver the
Council’s vision for the physical, economic, environmental and social
development of the Borough. These policies will be used to direct and
manage development and regeneration activity for the next 15 years,
up to 2026.
6.3 The policies considered relevant to this application are as follows:
6.3.1 CS5: Enhancing Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity
6.3.2 CS13: Promoting Health and Well Being
6.3.3 CS15: Well Designed Buildings, Places and Spaces
6.4 Waltham Forest Local Plan Development Management Policies 2013
6.5 The Local Plan Development Management Policies Document was
adopted in November 2013. This sets out the borough-wide policies
that implement the Core Strategy and delivering the long term spatial
vision and strategic place shaping objectives. There is an emphasis on
collaboration and a positive proactive approach to reaching a balance
agreement that solves problems rather than a compromise that fails to
meet objectives. The following policies are relevant in this case:
DM12 - Open Space, Sports and Recreation
DM29 - Design Principles, Standards and Local Distinctiveness
6.6 London Plan 2011
6.7 The London Plan is the overall strategic plan for London, and it sets out
a fully integrated economic, environmental, transport and social
framework for the development of the capital to 2031. It was adopted in
July 2011.
6.8 The Lee Valley Regional Park Plan (2000) contains the policies and
objectives for the Lee Valley Regional Park. The emerging Lee Valley
Park Development Framework will establish the authority’s aspirations
and specific proposals for the future use and development of the
Regional Park.
7 MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
7.1 NPPF
7.1.1 The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s
planning policies for England and how these are expected to be
Page 44(Item 5.1)
applied. It is a material consideration in planning decisions. It contains
a presumption in favour of sustainable development, described as “a
golden thread running through both plan-making and decision-taking.”
7.1.2 For decision-taking the NPPF states that the presumption means
“approving development proposals that accord with the development
plan without delay” and where the development plan is “absent, silent
or relevant policies are out-of-date, granting permission unless adverse
impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits,
when assessed against the policies in the Framework as a whole; “
7.1.3 The whole of the NPPF is potentially material to this application, but the
specific policy areas considered directly relevant are as follows:
7.1.3.1. Requiring good design
7.1.3.2. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment
7.2 Local Finance Considerations
7.2.1 Local Finance Considerations are a material consideration in the
determination of all planning applications. Local Finance
Considerations can include either a grant that has been or would be
given to the Council from central government or money that the council
has received or will or could receive in terms of Community
Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
7.2.2 There are no grants which have been or will or could be received from
central government in relation to this development.
7.2.3 The Council has not received and does not expect to receive any
income from CIL in relation to this development.
8 REPRESENTATIONS
8.1 One letter of objection has been received from the Mount Pleasant Hill
(Hackney) Management Company Ltd. A further seven objections have
been received from local residents. The objections are summarised as
follows:
8.1.1 Increased human activity will have an environmental impact. Comment:
This issue is considered later in this report.
8.1.2 The hoggin path is unnecessary as there is already a mud path.
Comment: Whether a development is strictly necessary is not a
material planning consideration.
8.1.3 The proposals will reduce the ‘wildness’ of this part of the riverbank.
Comment: This issue is considered later in this report.
8.1.4 The proposals will lead to a loss of wildlife habitat. Comment: This
issue is considered later in this report.
8.1.5 The proposals represent a ‘commercialisation’ or ‘privatisation’ of the
marsh. Comment: This is not a material planning consideration.
Page 45(Item 5.1)
8.1.6 The moorings require planning permission. Comment: This application
seeks permission for the installation of mooring posts and the new
towpath only.
8.1.7 The occupiers of the moored boats create a nuisance in terms of noise
and rubbish. Comment: It is understood that boats have been mooring
in this location for many years. This application does not seek
permission for the mooring, but for the path and installation of mooring
posts.
8.1.8 The Council failed to provide sufficient notification of the proposals to
local residents. Comment: As detailed in paragraph 5.1, a total of 71
letters were sent to residents living opposite the site and site notices
were erected on both sides of the riverbank. The Council has met its
obligations in respect of notification.
8.1.9 There are errors on the application form. In particular, it is not stated
that this is designated SSSI and MOL land. Comment: The Council are
aware of the designations affecting this site and have taken them into
account when assessing the application.
8.1.10 The applicant cut down much of the vegetation around the path prior to
submitting the application. Comment: This is not material to the
assessment of this application.
8.1.11 The mooring posts have already been installed. Comment: It is
acknowledged that the mooring posts have already been installed. The
Council can grant retrospective permission for the posts, if minded to
do so.
9 ASSESSMENT
9.1 Hoggin paths are formed of clay, gravel and sand, and the proposed
path will therefore have a similar appearance to the existing
mud/earthen path. It will integrate with its surroundings in terms of its
visual appearance and is an appropriate addition to this sensitive
location.
9.2 The existing path is uneven and becomes muddy when it rains,
representing a hazard and inconvenience to pedestrians. The new path
will improve accessibility along the riverbank, to the benefit of visitors to
the marsh.
9.3 The mooring posts are modest in size and scale (0.3m high) and do not
have a material visual impact on the sensitive Leyton Marsh location.
Posts of this type do not appear incongruous in a canal-side location.
9.4 Prior to the installation of the posts, boats moored in an ad hoc fashion,
using ropes and pins. Some of these ropes crossed the existing path,
creating a hazard to pedestrians and reducing the towpath’s
accessibility to the public.
9.5 Given the modest scale of the proposals and the use of natural
materials for the path, it is not likely that there will be any adverse
impact on the SSSI or the MOL.
Page 46(Item 5.1)
9.6 There is an existing towpath in this location and boats have been
mooring along the banks of the river for many years. The replacement
path and new moorings are not likely to lead to a material increase in
human activity in this location, and there is not expected to be a
harmful impact on ecological habitats.
Conclusion
9.7 The path replaces a similar path in the same location and will use
natural materials. It will improve the accessibility of the river bank. The
mooring posts are modest in size and scale and will not appear out of
place in this location. There will be no harmful impact on local wildlife
and ecology.
10 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
10.1 Public Sector Equality Duty
10.1.1 In making your decision you must have regard to the public sector
equality duty (PSED) under s.149 of the Equalities Act. This means that
the Council must have due regard to the need (in discharging its
functions) to:
A. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and
other conduct prohibited by the Act
B. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a
protected characteristic and those who do not. This may include
removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by persons who share
a relevant protected characteristic that are connected to that
characteristic; taking steps to meet the special needs of those with a
protected characteristic; encouraging participation in public life (or other
areas where they are underrepresented) of people with a protected
characteristic(s).
C. Foster good relations between people who share a protected
characteristic and those who do not including tackling prejudice and
promoting understanding.
10.1.2 The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment,
pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual
orientation.
10.1.3 The PSED must be considered as a relevant factor in making this
decision but does not impose a duty to achieve the outcomes in s.149
is only one factor that needs to be considered, and may be balance
against other relevant factors.
10.1.4 It is not considered that the recommendation to grant permission in this
case will have a disproportionately adverse impact on a protected
characteristic.
10.2 Human Rights
10.2.1 In making your decision, you should be aware of and take into account
any implications that may arise from the Human Rights Act 1998.
Page 47(Item 5.1)
Under the Act, it is unlawful for a public authority such as the London
Borough of Waltham Forest to act in a manner that is incompatible with
the European Convention on Human Rights.
You are referred specifically to Article 8 (right to respect for private and
family life), Article 1 of the First Protocol (protection of property). It is
not considered that the recommendation to grant permission in this
case interferes with local residents' right to respect for their private and
family life, home and correspondence, except insofar as it is necessary
to protect the rights and freedoms of others (in this case, the rights of
the applicant). The Council is also permitted to control the use of
property in accordance with the general interest and the
recommendation to grant permission is considered to be a
proportionate response to the submitted application based on the
considerations set out in this report.
11 RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Committee is requested to resolve that planning
permission be granted subject to the following conditions:
11.1 Conditions and Reasons:
1. The development to which this permission relates must be begun
not later than the expiration of three years beginning from the date
of this decision notice.
2. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the plan
labelled 'Leyton Marsh New Hoggin Path and Mooring Posts',
received on 4 April 2014
Reasons:
1 To comply with the provisions of Section 91(1)(a) of the Town and
Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).
2 To ensure the development is completed in accordance with the
approved details.
11.2 Informatives:
1. To assist applicants the Local Planning Authority has produced
policies and provided written guidance, all of which is available on
the Council's website and which have been followed in this instance
12 BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
12.1 The background information for this application is the relevant
application file, the application and any related history files,
together with relevant planning policy/policies at National,
London and Local level.
Page 48(Item 5.1)
12.2 These documents are available for inspection Monday to Fridays
between 9am and 5pm at Sycamore House, Town Hall, Forest
Road, E17 4JF
Monday, 3 March 2014
Blackhorse Area Action Plan
Blackhorse Area Action Plan
From: consult@objective.co.uk <consult@objective.co.uk>;
To: <katyandrews2012@yahoo.co.uk>;
Subject: Waltham Forest: New event available
Sent: Fri, Feb 28, 2014 9:00:25 AM
| AAP for the rest of the massive site immediately beside the Walthamstow Wetlands reservoirs is out to consultation today. Hyperlink below. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON!! There are also boxes of background documentation in Planning Dept at Sycamore House, LBWF Town Hall complex, Forest Road (bus 275 from W'stow Central stn), for theseriously keen or just plain suspicious! Let's at least make a fuss about height, bulk, massing, appearance, effect on views of & from & through the Lea Valley, light spillage, and environmental impact on the sensitive UN-designated World Wetlands Site (which is supposed to be protected under the Ramsar Convention). Let's also demand again that LBWF must restore the ban (dropped from the old UDP to allow a 7-storey element in Leyton Orient's Matchroom Stadium) on heights above 5 storeys adjacent to MOL! The international designation of the adjacent wetlands site means anyone can comment, not just local residents. Please pass this on! Katy. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android |
From: consult@objective.co.uk <consult@objective.co.uk>;
To: <katyandrews2012@yahoo.co.uk>;
Subject: Waltham Forest: New event available
Sent: Fri, Feb 28, 2014 9:00:25 AM
| Dear Katy Andrews Notifcation of Blackhorse Lane Area Action Plan Submission will be available for you to view between the following dates: Start date: 28/02/14 09:00 End date: 14/03/14 17:00 Please select the following link to view this event: http://walthamforest-consult. If the link appears to be broken, please try copying the entire link into the address bar on your web browser. This e-mail has been automatically generated by the Consultation software. The information contained in this e-mail or in any attachments is confidential and is intended solely for the named addressee only. Access to this e-mail by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the administrator and do not read, use or disseminate the information. Opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of the sender and not necessarily the company. Although an active anti-virus policy is operated, the company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail, including any attachments. To unsubscribe please click on the link below or paste it into your browser: http://walthamforest-consult. |

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