Waltham Forest Council has announced that it aims to build 40 new homes (six storeys) on the Conservation Area site of the Chingford Assembly Hall & Library.

A building of this height will blight the character & heritage of the area amidst widespread local objection which is largely ignored. A high rise building in Chingford’s conservation area sets a dangerous precedent for high rise developments across all Waltham Forest conservation areas. With this they threaten to undermine conservation and heritage across the whole Borough of Waltham Forest. If they take this bite out of North Chingford, what is to stop them assailing other heritage jewels in the Borough?

They plan an edifice which will be totally out of keeping with the charm & character of the green area. The Council seeks to justify this development by saying greater population & footfall would benefit local businesses. At what cost? A better way to support local businesses without sacrificing the Conservation Area and unique nature of the heart of North Chingford, so precious to local residents, is an alternative to the obvious overcrowding proposal which puts intolerable further pressure on all local services; examples might be instead, to lower business rates & facilitate parking. Throwing footfall at the problem is not the only solution and it drives a wrecking ball through an ancient and beautiful town, a village centre. It is crude and unnecessary. Local residents have expressed vocal opposition at public meetings which has been heard and NOT LISTENED to.