Waltham Forest Council invited LUC to help the borough play its part in tackling the biodiversity and climate emergency through its emerging Local Plan.

Following our Open Space Needs Assessment in 2018, the council commissioned LUC to develop a Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) Strategy for the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We developed proposals for strategic projects and principles for consideration over the new 15-year Local Plan period.

Public consultation highlighted specific needs for open space and GBI, placing health and wellbeing at the core. It became clear that issues relating to air quality, health inequalities and impacts on Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation and Lee Valley Special Protection Area/Ramsar site are high on the agenda.

The GBI strategy LUC developed for the borough will help to protect and enhance open space, rivers, green corridors, active travel routes and urban greening features. We also developed an ambitious action plan of the borough’s parks, open spaces and play spaces.

The principles we set out will ensure that development enhances, improves, and protects a green network for nature and people.