Development benefits the whole borough
We want to shape development around what residents need and how they can benefit from it, not just for now but for years to come.
The Local Plan Part 2 identifies potential future sites for development in Waltham Forest. This is so that we can set out planning requirements for areas where we expect to see new affordable homes, accessible green spaces, and environmental improvements, and new community infrastructure between now and 2035. With less than one week left until the consultation closes, we want you to have your say to ensure the views of local residents are considered in any future development.
As we saw in last month’s Social Impact Report, your input is important because council development projects are designed to deliver a range of additional benefits for the borough. For example, feedback on the Lea Bridge Area Framework helped transform an underused area into a biodiverse oasis in Perth Road, E10 with help from local primary school students. Similarly, working with Love North Chingford we were able to turn a patch of overgrown and unusable land owned by UK Power Networks into a brand new Pocket Park! Further improvements were made to the space using local housing growth funds, now maintained by local gardening volunteers.
Keen readers of Residents’ News may have also spotted the launch of the updated Waltham Forest Local Heritage List last month. On the back of public calls for a revised list, 93 diverse and characterful buildings, sites and public artworks from every area of the borough were added from a longlist of 140 nominations. The updated list is now more inclusive and reflective of our residents and communities and for the first time, includes examples of contemporary buildings, sites and features of high-quality design.
Check out the new and updated list – you might be surprised to learn something new and interesting about your local area. Going forward, impacts on these listed locally buildings and features will be considered in planning applications, recognising Waltham Forest’s rich heritage and storied history as we continue to build a borough fit for the future.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Please note, if your postcode is IG8, your nearest events will appear under E4. If you live in E7 or E15, check out E11. You can also find online events on our website.
 We are looking for volunteers to provide guidance and help residents fill out forms and provide guidance at our new Pension Credit drop-ins. Starting from Monday 14 October and continuing every Monday until Christmas, 1pm to 3pm at Walthamstow Library. You only need to commit to a minimum of one session and you’ll receive training. Help local pensioners to access the money they’re entitled to.
 Join Stow Film Lounge in the Town Hall foyer for a special Black History Month screening of Amazing Grace from 6pm this Saturday 5 October. The 2018 documentary/concert film stars Aretha Franklin recording her 1972 live album of the same name, the most successful gospel album of all time. You can buy tickets on the Stow Film Lounge website.
Join Waltham Forest Twinning Association for a special Black History Month workshop with artists Sharon Foster and Jacqueline McFarlane on Saturday 12 October from 1pm to 3pm at William Morris Gallery.
Explore different techniques like drawing, collage and printing, inspired by contemporary Black British artists, while interacting with a curated collection of historical and modern images that aim to challenge traditional representations. Book your free place on the William Morris Gallery website.
 We host monthly introductory online fostering events so you can find out more about how you can make a real and lasting difference to a child’s life. Our next event takes place on Tuesday 24 September at 11am.
There will be the chance for you to speak a social worker and an experienced foster carer about what it’s really like being a foster carer, find out more about training, benefits, support and the application process.
 Live or work in South Leytonstone? We want to know what you think of the early ideas to improve Langthorne Park.
This is one of the exciting local projects to come out of resident feedback on the South Leytonstone Area Framework. Our survey is open until 11pm on Friday 18 October.
 Leytonstone’s Southfield Court – a 1970s four storey hostel with 40 flats – recently completed a state-of-the-art retrofit courtesy of contractors Aston Group, resulting in a major energy efficiency upgrade.
Now I know what you are thinking, if only there was an upcoming presentation or podcast on this so I could learn more about retrofitting? Well you’re in luck, as on Thursday 10 October from 1pm until 2pm you can join the online Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise (RISE) Masterclass where we’ll be talking about our lessons learnt at Southfield Court.
 University of Portsmouth London are holding an Open Day at their new Hoe Street, Walthamstow campus on Saturday 12 October.
Meet current students, explore courses, and learn how their flexible block teaching fits around work or family commitments. Discover what makes studying with UoP dynamic and tailored to your needs.
 Are you or your partner expecting a baby? Then this open day is for you!
Bump to Baby Welcome Day is a great way to find out what Family Hubs have to offer to you and your new baby. This is your chance to ask questions and receive advice and wellbeing tips, join taster sessions, and take home a goodie bag filled with giveaways and information packs from various services.
 Movie nights are fantastic, but perhaps sometimes, the living room TV just doesn't cut it. At Library of Things Leytonstone, you can borrow a variety of things, saving money, space and the environment - including our projectors, which retail for around £370, to top off your movie nights from just £15 per day!
 A brand-new Aldi store in Leytonstone on the former Matalan site opened its doors to customers this morning at 8am, with Team GB athletics hero Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake cutting the all-important red ribbon alongside pupils from George Tomlinson Primary School.
The High Road store is the first Aldi to open in Leytonstone and will be run by Store Manager Summer Willfang, along with a team of 35 colleagues from the local community.
 Bargain Mondays have arrived at Forest Cinemas with tickets at £5 for all films, all day.
Bookings are also open for Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis, body horror The Substance, plus kids' favourites 200% Wolf, Buffalo Kids and Dragonkeeper.
Over the rainbow
Local non-profit Mile Rainbow CIC are hosting a series of Saturday activity sessions this month at Walthamstow Library exploring East Asian culture through dance, calligraphy and health talks.
Take that, cancer!
Walthamstow Central Baptist Church would like to thank everyone for making last month's Macmillan Big Coffee Morning and Cake Sale a success, raising £672 and counting!
You can still donate to the fund in their fight against cancer.
Change gear for your career
Our Participation Service are offering weekly one-to-one careers guidance appointments for 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Personal appointments with a level 6 qualified careers adviser are available every Thursday at Leyton Library from 10am to 4pm. Sessions could include:
- One-to-one careers guidance to help you plan your next steps.
- Details on open days and vacancies.
- Support with applying to college and applying for jobs.
- How to search for an apprenticeship or jobs and writing a CV.
- Interview practice.
Those interested - including parents and carers - should email participationservice@walthamforest.gov.uk or telephone on 020 8496 1920 between 10.30am and 3pm on Wednesday to Friday.
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Waltham Forest Jobs website. Explore available job opportunities and apply for roles that suit you.
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website, and check out our LinkedIn.
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