Support

Planning support

The architecture of the Highams Estate is now protected, and these changes may require planning permission:

View planning applications

Area of Special Character

The quality and distinctive design of the Arts & Crafts architecture contributes significantly to the character of The Highams Estate. This was recognised by Waltham Forest Council when it was granted Area of Special Character status in 1988. This designation restricts:

Article 4 Direction

On 2 September 2020, an Article 4 direction was put in place to preserve high-quality architectural features, ensuring any changes to the homes in The Estate consider their surroundings:
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“The successful preservation of the special character of the area however depends in practice just as much on the support and co-operation of local residents. Without that co-operation, the special character of the area could slowly but surely be lost through unsympathetic changes which can be carried out without the need for planning permission.”

HRA encourages residents to respect and retain any and all characteristic features of the architecture, not least because of their increasing rarity and therefore value.

Unlike their modern counterparts, original features can be restored easily. HRA can identify which parts are original and how to retain them before residents decide to make improvements.

Since the introduction of Article 4, the following are likely to be objected to and refused by planners:

Planning advice

HRA committee members do not represent the council's planning department, and advice is given in good faith. Always consult a qualified architect and structural surveyor before commencing any work.
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We provide informal planning advice, recommendations for improvements and can support planning applications to the council. Speak to us if you're interested, and we'll arrange a visit.

If you believe work is being carried out without planning consent, or you have not been informed of work that may affect you, let HRA know and report this to planning enforcement. ‍‍

Downloads


Support for residents

Crime and Anti-social behaviour

If you witness repeated suspicious, anti-social behaviour (ASB) make a note of the times it happens, descriptions of the individuals involved, and any vehicle registration numbers. Then do one or more of the following:

Noise and pollution

The Estate is a quiet and peaceful place to live. If noise is an issue, it is always better to speak directly to the other party and resolve the situation amicably.

If and when the issue re-occurs, report it to the council when you are affected by the following:‍

Fireworks are a police matter, and they can be alerted by dialling 101.

Building work

Owners are responsible for ensuring contractors work at reasonable times. According to Waltham Forest's website:

"Commercial construction works that lead to noise outside the development site boundary should only be done from Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm, with no works permitted on Sundays and bank holidays".
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Householders are responsible for keeping their property tidy during works, ensuring contractors use skips and hoarding.

Bin collections

Refuse is collected every week, with brown wheelie bins collected every two weeks during the winter months. Check when your bins are to be collected.
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Despite bins being provided at strategic locations around The Estate, litter can be an issue.

Thankfully, we witness residents picking up rubbish, plus HRA and HP Litter Pickers organise events that anyone can join. Sign up for updates at the bottom of this page.

If you find excessive litter, dog fouling or, worse still, fly-tipping, report it to the council who can clean up the mess.

Bonfires and incinerators

Burning material on your property creates a nuisance for others. If you want to dispose of rubbish, take it to a council recycling centre.

If you're affected by someone who is burning material on their property, you can report it here.

Local councillors (Hatch Lane Ward)

The Estate is covered by the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF). It is in the Hatch Lane Ward, one of the six Chingford and Woodford Green Constituencies represented by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP.

The ward is represented at the council by three councillors with elections every four years:
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