The community could have a vital say over future development in Highams Park under plans to create the first public-led planning group in Waltham Forest.

A consultation has been launched into the proposal, which would see an 11-strong committee established to oversee the creation of a strategic plan for the area.

The move comes after the Localism Act was passed to make the planning process more democratic.

The group would canvass local opinion to create a strategic plan which could be used to influence planning applications and developments.

This would then go back to public consultation and need to be approved by the council.

Chairman Gordon Turpin said: “This is a great opportunity for the residents of Highams Park to work together to protect and enhance what they love about Highams Park and to try to change those things they don’t like.

“We expect it will take anything from nine months to one year to put the Highams Park Plan together and we will consult the residents for their ideas and suggestions for the plan as we go along.”

The group is open to anybody in the area and there are opportunities for volunteer involvement.

The view the consultation, which lasts for six weeks, click here

For more information click here