The controversial pedestrianisation of Orford Road has been shortlisted for a national planning award.

The scheme has been nominated for the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence in the “successful economy” category.

Orford Road has been shortlisted for the award after work completed for the Mini Holland scheme, which has seen much of the road closed off to traffic.

The project aims to make the area safer and easier for cyclists and pedestrians to use.

John Acres RTPI president, said: “This year’s finalists reflect the important contribution planners and planning makes to creating great places and tackling the challenges we face across the UK.

“Planners are taking on new and innovative projects and the finalists show they are succeeding.”

However, the scheme has proved divisive and the road closure have drawn criticism for a perceived increase in emergency service response times and concerns for local business.

Its launch in Walthamstow Village in September 2015 was met by angry protests featuring scores of residents objecting to the road closures.

Protesters from campaign group E17 Streets 4 All carried a coffin marked with the words: “R.I.P Walthamstow Village” through Orford Road.

A further demonstration against closures outside Waltham Forest Town Hall in May was attended by more than 300 people.

The Awards for Planning Excellence are the longest established awards in the UK planning industry.

They have been awarded for the past 40 years to celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.