Housing provider East Thames will build a 21-home development on the former library car park

Waltham Forest council’s planning committee has granted East Thames approval for 21 affordable homes on the site in Wood Street, Walthamstow.

The site, which is currently used for parking by council staff, will have seven homes with disabled access.

Nine flats will provide homes for people with learning difficulties or mental health problems.

Twelve will be shared ownership properties.

The project is to be jointly funded by the London mayor's office, Waltham Forest council and East Thames.

Construction work is due to start in January 2015, with completion expected in March 2016.

Architects RCKa claim the development will provide a "modern, high quality" scheme.

East Thames director of development, sales and asset management, Trevor Burns, said: “This scheme highlights the excellent collaborative working relationship between East Thames and Waltham Forest council and demonstrates our joint commitment to delivering more affordable housing for local people.”

Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, said: “We’re committed to more housing being built in the borough to meet the demand and I am convinced this is one of the schemes that will help us achieve that.

“Wood Street is an area that has already gone through significant positive change and the transformation will continue with this and other schemes such as the regeneration of the Marlowe Road estate, making the area a sought after and desirable place to live.