Work to transform a library into a charity hub could begin soon if a planning application is passed by the council next week.

South Chingford Library was closed in December 2011 and in March Waltham Forest Council agreed to turn it into a workspace for charities needing a base in the borough.

But the voluntary sector groups on a waiting list for space are still without a place to work, with a planning application only due to be heard on Tuesday, 20 months after the closure.

Under the council's plans, the library would be subdivided to provide separate spaces for the various charities as well as to create a community cafe.

This would also require changes to lighting, heating and ventilation, according to the council.
A spokesman had predicted the work to start in late February or early March, but this has not happened.

A report last year stated the facility was a priority due to the high concentration of care homes and older people in Chingford.

It added that the hub could accommodate charities that support older people in their homes.
Under the plan one charity would manage the building and organisations which rent space would meet running costs.

The space would open between 8am and 10pm, Monday to Saturday.

The library was replaced by the volunteer-run South Chingford Community Library in Chingford Mount Road, which opened in April 2012.