Following engagement with the local community and feedback received, a planning application for the Families and Homes Hub and enabling residential development on the former Wood Street Library site was submitted on 29 January 2021 (reference number 210250).

The new, replacement library was formally opened on Thursday 13 August 2020, 500 metres from the former site as part of the Marlowe Road redevelopment, and offers community meeting spaces, digital access for the public, and a café with profits invested back into the library. The new library is fit for purpose and offers a more cost-efficient and modern way to deliver vital library services to the community.

The proposals for the new Hub and enabling residential development include:

• 750 sqm Families and Homes Hub
• 50 sqm commercial floorspace
• 67 new homes, including 50% affordable homes for local people
• A residents’ garden
• 4 accessible parking spaces

After the application was submitted, it went through a validation process and is now available to view online. The statutory consultation period has now started, during which residents can view and comment on the planning application. If approved, work is likely to begin in October 2021.

Comments on this scheme can be made until Friday 5 March 2021.

View the planning application here

Residents can submit their comments by emailing dmconsultations@walthamforest.gov.uk or writing to:

Planning Team
London Borough of Waltham Forest
The Magistrates Building, Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
London
E17 4JF

The deadline for receiving comments is Friday 5 March 2021.

The application and all feedback received will be considered by the Planning Committee. When the date of the next Planning Committee meeting has been confirmed, we will send out another newsletter informing residents of this. 

Check out current details

The Families and Homes Hub will provide Waltham Forest residents with access to the Council’s social care and housing teams in a safe and welcoming environment. The services that will be provided will include housing solutions advice, some Youth Offending Services (YOS) appointments and social care appointments and will be a joined-up Council service offer for local residents. Moving them into one building will make it more convenient for residents and will mean a more efficient service from staff.

Proposed facilities include:

• Waiting and meet-and-greet areas
• A self-check-in reception space and signposting to relevant services
• A flexible pop-up space showing residents how Council services and programmes can help them
• Touchdown workspace for Council officers to use between meetings with residents
• Assessment and interview areas, offering open and private spaces

See FAQs about the Hub

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