New park site in Waltham Forest now targeted for development

CPRE London recently responded to a consultation on proposals to build a Secure Children’s Home on the Thames Water Depot site at Lea Bridge Road – one of the sites of our Ten New Parks for London campaign.

We said we strongly object to these proposals for the following reasons:

1. To build on MOL, it must be demonstrated that the benefits outweigh the harm. It is extremely clear that this piece of land is central to the wider MOL to the north and south. It is the missing link in the open space, is a huge opportunity for flood management and nature’s recovery and should always have been returned to open space (which we understand was originally promised as part of the permission for it to become a depot).
2. There is an exceptionally well-considered alternative proposal for the site which will bring huge social benefits – the East London Waterworks Park (ELWP). ELWP’s proposals have great merit: they would bring vast social benefits and value to the local area, do no harm to the protected Metropolitan Open Land at and around the site, and in fact fulfil an important need to reconnect the marshes and nature reserves of the Lower Lea Valley.
3. While you state that you have investigated all alternatives, we are astonished that no other suitable sites could be found, with schools around London having to close due to school places not being filled. There is no justification in planning terms, for protected land being built over when other school sites lie empty and idle. Some of these sites are likely to have buildings which have reached the end of their life and could accommodate new suitable buildings. Other sites are likely to have buildings which can be repurposed which would also be less expensive and have a much lower climate impact.
4. The depot site is an incredibly important part of local industrial heritage and history with much to be cherished and valued. This would be entirely lost.

We were also very disappointed to hear about the proposals for this site because the ELWP group, who are part of our Ten New Parks for London project, have worked so incredibly hard to put forward appropriate and exceptionally well thought out proposals for the site as protected Metropolitan Open Land. We understand that at no point were they given any indication that there were plans to establish a facility like this on the site despite their work being very high profile. We feel this is disrespectful of the local community and dismissive of the professionalism and good faith with which they have developed their own proposals for the site.

We do not in any way dispute that the need for a Secure Children’s Home, and we do of course support the delivery of appropriate provision. But the loss of protected land is not justified:

• Other education sites lying empty some of which can surely be repurposed likely at less expense and with lower environmental impact than the demolition and new build which would be required at the Thames Water Depot site.
• There is a clear, positive and appropriate alternative use for the site proposed by ELWP which can bring huge social value, is community led and has strong community support.
• The harm to MOL will considerably outweigh the benefit since the impact will be on the connectivity and openness of the MOL to the north and south; but also because the huge social benefit which the site could achieve as a new East London Waterworks Park would be entirely lost.
• The local industrial heritage will be lost.

We have also written to the Leader of Waltham Forest Council saying we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, including how the council may be able to support the East London Waterworks Campaign’s proposals for this site.

Consultation responses can be sent to consultation@londonschbuild.co.uk