Waltham Forest Council has voted to approve plans to build a new housing-led mixed-use development at the former Webbs Industrial Estate on Blackhorse Lane.

Blackhorse Yard development includes 100% affordable housing and a variety of commercial uses.

Architect CF Møller has designed 359 affordable homes for shared ownership, a creative hub for artisans and artists’ studios, a new green pedestrian link between Blackhorse Lane and Sutherland Road, and nearly 3,000sqm new commercial space in the heart of the Blackhorse Lane area.

Catalyst housing association and Swan Housing Association have already received significant interest from local businesses wanting to move into the available retail units, the creative hub and artists’ studios, all of which will help to complement Waltham Forest’s newly-awarded status as the Mayor’s first London Borough of Culture.

The project will also provide new public spaces with a play area and landscaping, creating an attractive development that integrates with other buildings on Sutherland Road. Plans include a net increase of more than 100 trees, opportunities for community facilities on-site, and a new pedestrian crossing and cycle lane along Blackhorse Lane.

Ian McDermott, Chief Executive of Catalyst, commented: “Blackhorse Yard is an incredibly exciting scheme, and we can’t wait to start construction and welcome our first residents. By working in partnership with the GLA and Swan Housing Association, Catalyst is now able to offer a genuinely affordable route to home ownership to Londoners and help create a new neighbourhood in one of London’s most exciting boroughs.”

“On a more personal note, I am delighted to be back working in Waltham Forest where I first began my career in delivering affordable housing.”

Geoff Pearce, Executive Director – Regeneration and Development of Swan Housing Association added: “We are delighted with the Council’s decision to approve our visionary plans at Blackhorse Yard. This is not only a great example of partnership working but also sets the bar high on how to deliver genuinely affordable homes and workspaces in London and the UK. We’re thrilled to be a part of Waltham Forest, London’s first Borough of Culture, and can’t wait to see the development take shape.”

Waltham Forest Council Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and High Streets, Councillor Simon Miller commented: “It is excellent news that the Planning Committee has approved this scheme to provide 359 much needed genuinely affordable homes, available at prices that are linked to local residents’ income, in a part of the borough that is a key growth area. It’s a key part of our commitment to provide a decent roof over all our residents’ heads.

“The provision of studio and retail space in the development means that businesses will also have space to launch and grow, while the new trees and the stream provide attractive open space for residents to enjoy.”

James Murray, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, added: “We’re determined to ensure Londoners have the homes they so desperately need and that is why City Hall bought this derelict site, to transform it with 100 per cent affordable housing. I am very pleased that Catalyst and Swan can now begin building hundreds of new genuinely affordable homes on this site and create the artists’ spaces that will ensure the next generation of creatives can flourish in the Mayor’s first London Borough of Culture.”