This project is designed to introduce a new way of increasing the number of trees planted in residential areas and on the high streets across the borough as a local initiative to help reduce the effects of climate change and green our streets.

Trees are a key element of our countryside, but they also have a major part to play in urban areas. Trees in parks and other open spaces, or lining the sides of our streets, railways and rivers are of great importance to people, particularly in residential areas.They can also provide valuable habitats for wildlife, improve the air we breathe, and help to conserve energy in nearby buildings.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage local businesses such as estate agents and factories to help us reach our goal and plant 120 in the first year and every year after to plant a minimum of 36 trees under this initiative. The plant-a-tree scheme is part of our climate change programme: it will support the local community, and take practical steps to tackle global warming.

By planting more trees it will contribute to addressing the problem of climate change while bringing benefits to local communities and conserving biodiversity. Planting trees can help slow down climate change because trees absorb carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Trees play an important part in reducing the amount of C02 released into the environment so by planting more trees it will help manage these increasing levels.

The objective of the project is to introduce a new way of planting more trees in the borough but at neutral cost to the Council. This will be done by obtaining funding from local businesses to plant trees in areas of the borough that need them most.

• Priority will be given to areas that have little or no trees.
• Areas around factories and industrial estates will also be looked at to see how many trees and where they can be planted to try and offset their carbon footprint produced by these business and organisations.
• Shopping centres, town centres and playgrounds will also be looked at to see if more trees can be planted to act as shade as the summer months become hotter.
• This will all act as a positive step towards addressing the issues of climate change and a step toward improving local collaboration and partnership.

How it will work

Local factories, businesses in industrial estates and estate agents will be asked to plant a minimum of 12 trees each a year, i.e. a tree a month. There will be a variation on this depending on the size of the company. Smaller businesses will be asked to sign up for 12 where as big or national companies may be asked to plant a minimum of 2 trees a months making it 24 in total. Any company wishing to plant more may do so.

This will make the borough a safer, cleaner and greener environment and do a small bit to help the battle of climate change.

A payment of £150 will buy the tree, get it planted and nurtured until the tree is established. The council will carry out the maintenance and pruning. This make a real difference to the attractiveness of an area, which is an important factor in attracting inward investment, and help reduce the affects of climate change.

Each time a business plants a tree we will place a plaque with the company’s name and details on it.

With the help of a tree consultant we will advise the businesses on the best tree for the area. Once the trees are chosen the company will receive a certificate detailing the tree that they have planted.

If residents or groups wish to adopt a tree they may do so. They can choose the number of trees they plant from one upwards. They will also have a plaque which they can dedicate to someone special or simply have their names on it. A limited number or words will apply.

Further information

For further information on the scheme or how to adopt a tree please contact:

Corinne Hibberd, Initiatives Manager
Phone: 020 8496 3000
Email: corinne.hibberd@walthamforest.gov.uk

This project is designed to introduce a new way of maintaining flower beds around the borough in a bid to make the borough a cleaner and greener place to live and work and contribute to addressing the effects of climate change.

More than a million species in the world are in danger from a warmer planet - including many of the UK’s birds and other creatures expected to lose feeding and breeding grounds - as warmer, drier summers and wetter, stormier winters become more common.

Experts have long warned that nature reserves will not help protect threatened species because habitats will shift with the weather. Now they are appealing to gardeners and anyone else that can help.

Every garden or planted area is a habitat for wildlife. Global warming is already causing problems for wildlife as the plants, flowers and insects that many animals and birds feed on and nest in are shifting their habitat and changing breeding patterns.

Flowers and plants are a key element of our countryside, but they also have a major part to play in urban areas. Flowers and plants in parks and other open spaces, or lining the sides of our streets, railways and rivers are of great importance to people, particularly in residential areas.They can also provide valuable habitats and food sources for wildlife and improve the air we breathe.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage local faith groups, girl guides/scout groups, or other groups and schools to help us replant and maintain flower beds around the borough. Adopt a flower bed scheme is part of our climate change programme: it will support the local community, and take practical steps to tackle global warming.

By replanting more flower beds it will help to address some of the problems of climate change while bringing benefits to local communities and conserving biodiversity. Planting flowers can help slow down climate change because plants absorb carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. When plants “breathe” in, they absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Research has shown though, that not only do plants absorb carbon dioxide, they can also absorb other pollutants from the air, such as smoke and chemical fumes given off by plastics and car fumes etc. Plants play an important part in reducing the amount of CO2 released into the environment so by planting more flowers it will help manage these increasing levels.

Objectives of the project

The objective of the project is to introduce a new and efficient way of planting flower beds in the borough. This will be done by seeking local community groups and faith groups to adopt flower beds that are in need of planting and maintenance.

• Priority will be given to flower beds that are not currently planted or are prone to littering.
• Areas around factories and industrial estates will also be looked at.
• Parks and playgrounds will also be considered to see if more flowers can be planted to create a more pleasant area and also attract wildlife.
• This will all act as a positive step towards addressing the issues of climate change and a step toward improving local collaboration and partnership.

How it will work?

The scope of the project is to get local community groups to adopt and maintain flower beds in the borough. They will be asked to plant and maintain one flower bed each for the year.

This will make the borough a safer, cleaner and greener environment for all the residents, workers and wildlife and do a small bit to help the battle of climate change.

The Council will supply the necessary tools as a gift for agreeing to adopt the flower beds and will also provide some of the plants. The voluntary groups will be responsible for planting, weeding, litter picking and other general maintenance of their adopted flower bed. This will make a real difference to the attractiveness of an area, which is an important factor in attracting inward investment, and help reduce the affects of climate change.

Each adopted flower bed will have a plaque put up with the organisations name and details on it, highlighting that they have adopted the bed and maintain it.

With the help of Green Spaces consultants we will advise the organisations on the best plants and flowers for their bed and how to plant and maintain them.

Further information

For further information on the scheme or how to adopt a flower bed please contact:

Corinne Hibberd, Initiatives Manager
Phone: 020 8496 3000
Email: corinne.hibberd@walthamforest.gov.uk

Local Liberal Democrats have expressed their delight after Councillors backed their plans to put climate change awareness at the heart of the Council’s agenda.

The successful motion calls for a series of initiatives aimed at ‘greening’ Waltham Forest, including a borough-wide campaign to bring about a voluntary ban on free plastic shopping bags.

Your local Lib Dem councillors rejected a Labour amendment to the motion that removed our proposal for a ‘Climate Change Impact Assessment’ to be included in all reports produced for Council.  The ‘Climate Change Impact Assessment’ will make environmental considerations central to the work of the Council.

LOCAL COUNCILLOR Bob Belam FOCUS TEAM MEMBER said:

These simple but effective measures will make the way the Council works cheaper and more environmentally friendly”.

 2007/2263/TC 

 Type of Application  

Replacement of BT payphone kiosk.  

Telecommunications/prior determination/demolition 

Land outside 282-284 Chingford Road Walthamstow London E17 5AL   

NOTE: This application is for Prior Approval which means that it must be determined within 56 days.  

2007/2273   

Type of Application 

Full planning  

Erection of single storey side extension. Loft conversion with rear dormer window and alteration from hip to gable end. 

41 Farnan Avenue Walthamstow London E17 4NQ  

2007/2278   

Type of Application  

Full planning  

Conversion of dwelling to form 2×2 bed flats.   

  50 Chingford Road Walthamstow London E17 4PJ     

Dear Cllr Belam

Under my leadership the Liberal Democrats will be ambitious. Ambitious for ourselves and ambitious for Britain.

I want to thank you for giving me the chance to lead our great party. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Paddy Ashdown, Charles Kennedy and Ming Campbell, who have all contributed so much to our party.

I look forward to working with them all during my leadership.

I would also like to pay tribute to both Vince Cable and Chris Huhne. Vince has been an inspiration as stand-in leader with both his forensic questioning and his memorable put downs.

Chris and I saw a lot of each other during the leadership contest. Now we will be working together as close colleagues to ensure that our party goes on to further electoral success.

I am delighted that both Vince and Chris are going to be part of my top team over the coming years.

 We have a golden opportunity for our party. Gordon Brown presides over an increasingly stale, incompetent, and desperate government. David Cameron and the Tories don’t know what they stand for anymore.

We know what we stand for – a more Liberal Britain. I am confident that with hard work and dedication we can turn our beliefs into reality and change our country for the better.

 Under my leadership our party will be a self-confident, radical, and energetic party. Together we can break the stifling two-party system and change Britain for good. That is my aim.

I hope you will join me in making it a reality.

Best Wishes,Nick Clegg MP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats 

There are currently 7 organisations that have joined the community toilet scheme in Walthamstow that allow members of the public to have access to their toilet facilities.

Where are the toilets?

Zig Zag Cafe, 366 Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 5JF

Facilities

• Disabled - no
• Baby Changing - no

Opening times

Children up to 8pm
11am-11pm Monday-Friday
8am-11pm Saturday
12noon-10.30pm Sunday

College Arms, 807 Forest Road, Walthamstow E17

Facilities

• Disabled - yes
• Baby Changing - no

Opening times

11am-11pm Sunday-Thursday
11am-12midnight Friday-Saturday

The Coppermill, 205 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HF

Facilities

• Disabled - no
• Baby Changing - no

Opening times

11am-11pm Sunday-Thursday
11am-12.30pm Friday-Saturday

The Woodman Public House, 150 Highams Place, Walthamstow E17 6DD

Facilities

• Disabled - no
• Baby Changing - no

Opening times

Cock Tavern, 67 High Street, Walthamstow E17 6DD

Facilities

• Disabled - no
• Baby Changing - no

Opening times

10am-11pm Monday-Thursday
11am-2am Friday-Saturday
11am-12noon Sunday

Walthamstow Library, High Street, Walthamstow E17 7JN

Facilities

• Disabled - yes
• Baby changing - yes

Opening times and location

Information on Walthamstow Library opening times and location

McDonalds, 258-260 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, E17 3AX

Facilities

• Disabled -yes
• Baby changing -yes

Following a complaint from a resident, Cllr Bob Belam reported a skip that appeared to be unlicensed, and was attracting fly tipping in Lyndhurst Road.

Following a complaint from one of our deliverers, Cllr Bob Belam

reported two skips that were overflowing in Aveling Park Road.

2007/2209/CLP    

Type of Application

Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulness 

Application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed development. Room in the roof involving installation of rear dormer window.   

14 Fulbourne Road Walthamstow E17 4EG

2007/0862 

 Application Type:  

Full planning  

232 Chingford Road Walthamstow London E17 5AL   

 Description:  

Change of use from retail (use class A1) to hot food takeaway (use class A5) and installation of a new shopfront. Erection of single storey rear extension as shown by drawing numbers 1209-3 received on 2nd May 2007, 1209-3 received on 23rd July 2007 & 1209-2A received on 28th September 2007. (Amended description).  

Decision:  Approved with conditions informatives on 29/11/2007  

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.  No cooking shall be carried out on the premises prior to the installation of a suitable extract ventilation system (as shown on drawing number 1209-2A received on 28th September 2007), incorporating grease and odour filters, and terminating at a suitable height, which would normally be not less than the existing chimney height. The agreed extract ventilation system shall be permanently maintained so as to avoid detriment being caused to nearby occupiers by reason of noise or fumes.  The premises shall only open between 11am and 10pm on Monday to Saturdays inclusive and not at all on a Sunday.  The materials to be used on the extension shall match as closely as possible, in type, colour and texture, those on the existing building.    

2007/1930  

Application Type:  

Full planning  

208 St Johns Road Walthamstow London E17 4JN

Description:  1) Erection of single storey rear extension and loft conversion with rear dormer window. 2) Conversion of property into two self-contained flats (1×2 bed, 1×3 bed) as shown by drawing numbers SJR 01 & SJR 02 received on 1st October 2007.  

Decision:  Approved with conditions informatives on 28/11/2007  

The materials to be used shall match as closely as possible, in type, colour and texture, those on the existing dwelling.  The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.  The bottom half of the first floor kitchen window shall contain obscure glazing only and shall be of a fixed type. Details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and the agreed details implemented prior to the occupation of the first floor flat and thereafter permanently retained in the agreed form.  The roof area of the single storey rear extension hereby permitted shall not be used as a balcony, roof garden or similar amenity area without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.    

2007/2018/ADV  

Application Type:  Advertisement  

Outside 53-55 Billet Road Walthamstow London E17 5DL    Description:  

Application for display of advertisement on bus passenger shelter as shown on drawing 8136 and site location plan received on the 4th October 2007.    

  Decision:  Refused on 29/11/2007 

The proposed development would prevent the implementation of a planned new cycle route along this section of Billet Road. It would therefore be contrary to the provisions of policy TSP5 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan - First Review (2006).  

 2007/2154/CLP

Type of Application

Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulnessAn application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed development - Formation of room in the roof involving installation of rear dormer window.

42 Empress Avenue Chingford London E4 8SR  

2007/2167

Type of Application

Full planning Conversion of ground floor shop into residential (2x studio flat) involving erection of ground floor rear extension.

96 Chingford Road Walthamstow London E17 4PJ

 2007/2169

Type of Application

Full planning Loft conversion with rear dormer window to first floor flat. 

First Floor Flat 2 20 Thorpe Road Walthamstow London E17 4LA  

The StreetWatchers Scheme was originally suggested by the Citizens jury, held during November 1998 ,as a way of involving local people more closely with the work of, the Council.Local authorities are under increasing pressure to develop and maintain services with ever decreasing resources. Our Street Services Division touches the lives of every resident in Waltham Forest whether through refuse collection, highway maintenance, public lighting, parking, road safety and parks etc.With such a wide range of services to provide it is impossible for us to identify every problem as soon as they arise. We welcome the ‘eyes’ of StreetWatchers to report matters affecting their environmentThe idea of the scheme is for unpaid volunteer residents, as they go about their daily routine, to assist the Council in noting any highway defects such as potholes in the road, knocked down bollards, defective street lamp columns, overhanging vegetation, fly tipping, dog fouling etc. they feel should be reported and may need repair or action.These are then reported, via the the Councils call centre, and logged on a central database system. The report is allocated to the appropriate section and officer who investigates the issue and if necessary arranges for works to be carried out.This scheme gives residents the opportunity to play a key role and have a voice, working in partnership with the Council, to make OUR community a much better, safer and cleaner place to live.

Care for YOUR environment?

Join a growing band of civic-minded Waltham Forest residents working with the Council to enable us to continually improve delivery of services relating to the Street Scene by becoming a StreetWatcher volunteer today.For further information about the StreetWatcher scheme contact:Street Services
Environment and Regeneration
Low Hall
Argall Avenue
London E10 7ASTel 020 8496 3000
Fax 020 8521 3577
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk

On Sunday 9^th December a domestic incident resulted in a young man being stabbed. He sustained a chest wound.

The latest information is that he is in hospital and his condition is stable.

 Planning application on behalf of Goals Soccer Centres PLC

2007/1997 

Construction of new sports facility comprising 10 floodlit all weather sports pitches, new pavilion and alterations to car park.

Following a meeting and site visit with Lichfield Planning, an officer from LBWF planning department and Cllr Bob Belam, it was agreed that in order to take the plans forward a public meeting should be called involving residents from the surrounding roads.

As soon as a date is found we the Councillors of Chapel End will ensure you are invited.

Every household in the UK produces an average of 50kg extra waste over Christmas, and in Waltham Forest we are committed to recycling as much of this as possible.

Collection days
Christmas tree recycling
Cardboard recycling
Wrapping paper recycling
Suspension of bulky waste collections 

Christmas collections of rubbish and recycling

Rubbish, recycling, green waste and trade waste collections will be affected by the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

Christmas tree recycling

If you choose a real Christmas tree this year, you can recycle it in three ways:         

Take it to a recycling centre:
Gateway Road, E10
Kings Road, E4
South Access Road, E17         

In your green waste collection
Cut it up and put it in your brown garden waste bin, if you have one.          

Request a Christmas Tree Collection
Book online or call 020 8496 3000 by Sunday 6 January to request a free collection. Trees will be collected between Monday 7 January and Friday 18 January.

Cardboard recycling

At Christmas many of us will have much more cardboard than usual. Make sure you recycle yours:         

Take it to a recycling centre:
Gateway Road, E10
Kings Road, E4
South Access Road, E17         

Flatten, fold or cut it to fit in your black recycling box o          Request a Christmas Cardboard Collection
Book online or call 020 8496 3000         

Request your collection by Friday 28 December for a collection by Friday 4 January         

Request your collection by Sunday 6 January for a collection by Friday 11 January

Wrapping paper recycling

Paper gift wrap can be recycled in your black recycling box. Cellophane wrapping cannot be “collected for recycling” and should be put in your wheeled refuse bin.

You can also recycle paper gift wrap at the reuse and recycling centres at Gateway Road in Leyton , Kings Road in Chingford , South Access Road in Walthamstow , and several mini recycling sites .

Suspension of bulky waste collections

Each year, the special collection service for bulky household waste is suspended over Christmas. The last booking date is Friday 14 December, and the last collections will take place in the week beginning Monday 17 December. Bookings will start again on Monday 31 December for collections in the week beginning Monday 7 January. During this period residents can use the reuse and recycling centres at Gateway Road in Leyton , Kings Road in Chingford and South Access Road in Walthamstow 

The Environment department has made an extra effort to clear up leaves this Autumn.

However the way in which the weather has played a part this year has meant that leaves have fallen in large numbers on one day, and few the next day.

This has given the appearance that roads have not been swept.

The service has fallen down by not clearing away the grey sacks that have been left by the kerbside.

For this we apologise

Residents request rubbish bins outside Arsenal Academy for kids to deposit rubbish after playing football.

 2007/1763  

Application Type:  

Full planning  

8 Rushbrook Crescent Walthamstow London E17 5BZ  

  Erection of single storey rear extension and formation of a room in the roof involving installation of rear dormer as shown on drawing nos RUSHBROOKCRESCENT-8-01 Rev A to 05 Rev A received on 14 August 2007. 

 Decision: Refused on 13/11/2007 

The proposed rear dormer is considered unacceptably bulky and therefore detrimental to the appearance of the area and contrary to the provisions of Policies BHE1, BHE2 and PSC5 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006) and Supplementary Planning Guidance Note No 4.  The proposed rear extension would unacceptably impact upon the daylight and outlook of the rear windows of the adjoining property at 6 Rushbrook Crescent to the detriment of the amenity of its occupiers and contrary to the provisions of policy BHE 3 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006).   

  2007/1799  

Application Type:  

Full planning  

31 Penrhyn Avenue Walthamstow London E17 5DA   

 Erection of new two storey, three bedroom dwellinghouse at side as shown by drawing numbers 2420/01 & 2420/02 received on 21st September 2007.   

Decision:  Refused on 13/11/2007 

The proposal constitutes an overdevelopment of a limited site, incompatible with the character of the wider area and represents a cramped sub standard form of development with unsatisfactory usable private amenity open space, the third bedroom being sub standard in relation to size and there being insufficient provision for off street parking. The proposal would be contrary to policies BHE1, BHE3, TSP17, PSC1 & PSC2 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006).   The proposal would have a detrimental impact upon the amenity of adjoining occupiers by reason of loss of privacy and general outlook occasioned by the additional bulk, poor design and proximity of the proposed dwelling to the rear boundary. The proposal would be contrary to policies BHE1, BHE3, PSC1 & PSC3 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006).

2007/2032/CLP  

Type of Application 

Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulness 

An application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed development - Room in roof involving rear dormer window.  

1 Northbank Road Walthamstow London E17 4JY  

2007/2074  

Type of Application 

Full planning 

Redevelopment of petrol station. Demolition of existing structure and erection of single storey fore court building involving installation of new pumps and bollards, canopy, new covered compound, air conditioning unit/refrigeration plan, air water unit, new service bay, ATM cash machine and new car parking area. 

Walthamstow Service Station

817 Forest Road Walthamstow London E17 0DN  

c/o agent  Somerfield Stores Ltd           

 This unsightly mess has been left in the front garden for some time.

We have asked enforcement officers to call and get the owner to clear the garden.

An officer has already visited the location and relevant notices are in
hand.

In our ward walk we came across this rubbish against the wall.

We have reported it to the cleansing team to remove and contact the residents who may have left it there.

Following a complaint from a resident, Cllr Bob Belam visited the area.

The road had not been swept for some time.

I have asked for it to be cleaned and for an investigation as to why this road has been missed.

2007/1875/CLP    Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulness 

 27 Wadham Avenue Walthamstow London E17 4HS  

2007/1727/CLP

 Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulness

71 Kenilworth AvenueWalthamstowLondon E17 4PD

Erection of a second storey rear extension involving the installationof a room in the roof with rear dormer window as shown in drawingsnumbered 1301 sheet 1, 1301 sheet 2, 1301 sheet 3 and 1301sheet

Decision: Approved on 05/11/2007

The proposal constitutes lawful permitted development as it accordswith the provisions of Schedule 2, Part 1, Class B of the Town andCountry Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995;The application proposes extension of the existing roof to a volumebelow 40 cubic metres and the extension would not exceed thehighest part of the existing roof or extend beyond the plane of anyexisting roof slope which fronts any highway. 

2007/1728

Full planning1

53-155 Wadham RoadWalthamstowLondonE17 4HU  

Conversion of ground floor offices into residential (3×1 bed)self-contained flats. Alteration to front and rear elevations as shownby drawing numbers 70311-21, 70311-22, 70311-23, 70311-24 &70311-25

Decision: Refused on 06/11/2007

The proposal is considered to be out of character and anoverdevelopment of a limited site in particular reference to theproposed rear residential unit which would provide a sub-standardform of accommodation in relation to general outlook and access.This would be to the detriment of future occupiers of thedevelopment. The proposal would be contrary to policies BHE1 &PSC1 of the adopted Waltham Forest Unitary Development Plan2006. 

2007/1731

Full planning

20 Sturge Avenue Walthamstow LondonE17 4LQ 

 Erection of two-storey building comprising 4 x1-bed self-containedflats as shown on drawing 337-01B  

Decision: Refused on 07/11/2007

The proposed 2-storey rear projection, by virtue of its overall size,bulk, position and design, would be an over-bearing andun-neighbourly development that would adversly affect theamenities of occupiers of adjacent properties, contrary to policiesBHE1 and BHE3 of the adopted Waltham Forest UnitaryDeveloopment Plan (2006).The design of the front elevation does not complement the streetscene and would be detrimental to the visual amenities of the area,contrary to policies SP1 and BHE1 of the adopted Waltham ForestUnitary Development Plan (2006).The proposal does not make provision for secure cycle storage inaccordance with policy TSP5 and Appendix 2 of the adoptedWaltham Forest Unitary Development Plan (2006). 

2007/1831

Full planning

323 Fulbourne Road Walthamstow LondonE17 4HL 

Conversion of property into 2 self contained flats (1×2 bed &1×1bed) as shown by drawing number 3788/1

Decision: Approved with conditions informatives on 07/11/2007The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

2007/1997 

Full Planning 

Construction of new sports facility comprising 10 floodlit all weather sports pitches, new pavilion and alterations to car park.  

 Peter May Sports Centre 135 Wadham Road Walthamstow

London E17 4HR   

2007/2000

 Full planning

 Change of use of ground floor shop from retail (use class A1) to restaurant/take away (use class A3/A5). Installation of extract flue system at rear.

325 Chingford Road Walthamstow London E17 5AE 

  2007/2018/ADV

Advertisement 

Application for display of advertisement on bus passenger shelter.  

Outside 53-55 Billet Road Walthamstow London E17 5DL      

Once again fly tipping has been left in this area.

We have asked for it to be removed.

This rubbish dumped outside the take away make the road look unsightly.

We have asked for it to be removed.

This garage has been damaged by youths.

This unsightly mess has been left for some time.

We have asked enforcement officers to call and get the owner to clear the garage. If they fail to do so within the allotted time, officers will take legal action.

Work has started on the change of use from dilapidated shops to flats.

Highway maintenance work in Chingford Road (between the Crooked Billet Roundabout and Morrison Avenue) is due to start on 12^th November 2007.  This will involve relaying kerbs and reconstructing a number of the footways, and then early next year the road itself will be resurfaced. 

The majority of the kerb and footway work will be carried out on weekdays between 9.30am and 3.30pm.  However, some Saturday working may also be required.  Weather permitting, the footway work will finish towards the end of February 2008.

The road resurfacing will last for up to two weeks. This will take place overnight in March 2008, when I will write to you again, to let you of know of the arrangements for this particular part of the works. 

In the meantime, please note that in order to carry out the footway works in a safe and efficient manner it will be necessary to exclude parked cars from the immediate working area.  Your help in not parking in the affected areas would be appreciated. 

We will try to keep inconvenience to a minimum. However, if during the works you require any further information, or have any questions please contact me on the number below.  Alternatively please feel free to send me an e-mail at the address below. 

2007/1052

Full planning

617a Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 4NE

Change of use of ground floor shop from retail shop (use class A1) to restaurant/takeaway (use A3/A5 )

Decision Approved with conditions informatives 31/10/2007 

 2007/1875/CLP

Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulness

27 Wadham Avenue, Walthamstow E17 4HS

Formation of a room in the roof involving installation of a rear dormer window

Decision Approved on 31/10/2007 

2007/1943

Full planning

Erection of 4 bedroom, 2 storey dwelling house incorporating a room in the roof with rear dormer

Land adjacent 42 & part of 42 Chaucer Road, Walthamstow E17 4BE

2007/1976

Full planning

Formation of vehicle access

184 Winchester Road Chingford E4 9JP

Two reports from the Institute for Public Policy Research have come to the same conclusion: the current target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 is not enough and the higher figure of 80 per cent is not only necessary, it is also feasible.

The first report, 2050 Vision: How can the UK play its part in avoiding dangerous climate change?, said that since the 60 per cent target was drawn up in 2000, “climate science has moved on substantially”. The report claimed that the 80 per cent target was essential “if we are to avoid a 2°C global warming above pre-industrial levels – a threshold beyond which there is a sharp increase in the expected impacts of climate change.”

But, the report asked, is an 80 per cent reduction in UK emissions even remotely possible? How would we generate electricity? How would industry manage? Would we need nuclear power? Would we all have to stop flying and give up our game consoles and gadgets? How would we heat our homes? What would fuel our cars and lorries? And above all, what would it all cost and can we afford it?

Many of the answers were contained in the second report, 80% Challenge: Delivering a low-carbon UK, credited to the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as well as the ippr. The organisations followed the same assumptions and approaches used by government when looking at cutting carbon emissions but added some constraints they considered to be environmentally essential.

The report said: “Unlike the government, we included emissions from international aviation, with a multiplier to allow for non-carbon dioxide effects, in our targets and models. This clearly made our approach much more challenging – however, we believe it is indefensible to exclude this large and rapidly growing source of emissions from UK targets.We examined the implications of excluding new nuclear electricity generation and placed limits both on the use of biofuels and wind.”

It added: “The key conclusion is that it is feasible to reduce the UK’s emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, and at costs that are not prohibitive.”

An informal group of MPs has called for local authorities to be more independent and manage their own monies.

A cross-party group of MPs and peers, the Chamberlain Group (not to be confused with a finance management company of the same name), said that councils should be free to generate their own revenue and spend it how they see fit.

Also, the government should work more closely with local authorities when drawing up national policy and there should be yearly meetings of a joint committee to monitor the progress of devolution.

Former Labour local government minister Nick Raynsford said: “To counter public cynicism about political institutions and low levels of turnout in elections, we have to find new ways to engage citizens in the political process. More devolution of power and the active involvement of local communities in decision-making are essential if we are to rebuild confidence in our democracy locally and nationally.”

And former Conservative local government minister David Curry said the government and opposition parties should look to turning their rhetoric about devolution of power “into firm measures to deliver it”.

Two years in the making, the group’s report said that the current state of affairs, where councils generate around 25 per cent of their revenue themselves, needs to change and the government needs to realise that different regions need to provide different services at different levels and centralisation cannot cater for this. Central government should only get involved as a last resort, the report said.

It went on to suggest that councils could get a percentage of income tax or car tax to fund their services. Or they could issue bonds like London has done to finance its transport network.

Housing minister Yvette Cooper has said she wants to encourage more affordable housing by making councils give their “surplus” public sector land to newly established local housing companies (LHCs).

Claiming that this move marked a return to local authorities being “centre stage in providing homes for communities”, Cooper said that councils will be able to offer their own deals for key workers and first time buyers through new homes built on their land. Thousands more young families could get a step on to the housing ladder if councils took this option, she said.

“We urgently need to build more homes for first time buyers and families. That’s why we are investing £10.2bn to increase affordable and social housing. But government cannot deliver this alone. This is a new way to help councils to do their bit to support new homes for key workers and families in their areas.”

Councils tend to have little influence on how land they sell is used but LHCs would “put the destiny of that land back into the hands of councils”, Cooper claimed, “enabling them to double affordable housing levels to at least 50 per cent”. Under the scheme, the local authority would have a role in agreeing the development plan for land, including being able to offer ‘low cost’ housing deals to meet local needs. In return, private sector partners such as housing builders would put in the same level of investment and be responsible for building the homes.

Each LHC could have the potential to deliver up to 1000 new homes, Cooper said.

Transport for London was the only bidder for the failed tube maintenance company Metronet so the organisation should come out of administration in early 2008 and come under control of TfL.

Under TfL’s plans, the people and the assets of the two Metronet companies, BCV and SSL, will be transferred into two TfL nominee companies while the long-term structure is agreed with the Mayor of London and the government.

London Underground managing director Tim O’Toole said: “I am pleased to be able to confirm that TfL is the only bidder for Metronet and that we do not anticipate any other bids. We are now working with the administrator to transfer the Metronet companies to Transport for London’s control in early 2008.”

He added that the deal would mean “the continued safe and reliable operation of the Tube network for passengers” and would enable TfL to establish “a stable, economic and efficient structure that is better able to deliver our investment priorities that will lead to increased capacity on the Tube in future.”

PPP administrator Alan Bloom said: “Transport for London has expressed clear interest in the purchase of Metronet Rail BCV Limited and Metronet Rail SSL Limited. The PPP administrators will be working closely with Transport for London to progress their proposal towards an exit from administration, preferably early in the New Year.”

The Queen’s Speech unveiled 29 bills and draft bills, even if they’d mostly been revealed days if not weeks ago when Gordon Brown made what has been called his ‘pre-Queen’s Speech’. Subjects covered include cutting carbon emissions, using nuclear power to produce energy, making children go to school until they’re 18 and being able to hold terrorist suspects for up to 56 days.

Brown said: “On energy, housing, pensions, education, work-life balance, citizenship and anti-terrorism measures, the central purpose of this legislative programme is to make the right long-term changes to prepare and equip our country for the future and to meet the rising aspirations of the British people.”

Accusing the government of “recycling” many of the policies laid out, Tory leader David Cameron said the Queen’s Speech should have given people more opportunity and power over their lives, a “supply-side revolution” in schools, reduced stamp duty to help people on to the housing ladder and more power for local government.

“In this new age of unease we need to strengthen families and make our society more responsible,” he said. “Ending the couple penalty in the benefits system. Backing marriage in the tax system. Radical welfare reform to get people off benefits and into work. And in this new age of insecurity we need to make our country safer and greener. That means proper prison reform. It means real police reform.”

Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable said Brown had produced no new ideas despite delaying a general election so that he could outline his vision for government.

Cable said: “The anticipation was acute - but the anti-climax is deafening. The legislative programme is firmly rooted in the Blair era. There is very little new. No ideas, no vision. Is this what we have been waiting for? Perhaps, lurking in this Queen’s Speech is a genuinely Big Idea: a Conservative-Labour grand coalition of policies and ideas. The one time editor of the Red Paper has penned a Queen’s speech in the bluest ink. Across wide swathes of policy his approach is indistinguishable from the Tories.”

The main bills were:

Apprenticeships (draft) Bill All 16- to 18-year-olds are entitled to an apprenticeship.

Climate Change Bill Carbon dioxide emissions to be cut by at least 60 per cent by 2050 and between 26 and 32 per cent by 2020.

Constitutional Renewal (draft) Bill To “rebalance power” between Parliament and the government and give MPs a say on such subjects as going to war and ratifying treaties.

Counter-Terrorism Bill To enable post-charge questioning of terrorist suspects, more use of their DNA and bans on convicted terrorists travelling overseas.

Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill Non-dangerous criminals who breach the terms of their release will be jailed for 28 days. There will also be restrictions on violent offenders and people will be able to use “reasonable force” to defend themselves and their properties.

Education and Skills Bill By 2015 all 16- to 18-year-olds will have to stay in education or training by 2015. Parents and councils will be responsible for making this happen.

Employment Bill To resolve disputes easier.

Energy Bill To encourage more use of renewable energy generation, including nuclear power. And to encourage more “carbon capture” research.

EU Reform Treaty Bill To bring into UK law the EU Reform Treaty.

Health and Social Care Bill To create the so-called ’super-regulator’ Care Quality Commission to inspect and intervene in failing hospitals.

Housing and Regeneration Bill To merge the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships and implement the recommendations of the Cave Review of Social Housing Regulation.

Local Transport Bill To give councils more freedom to formulate their transport policies, including road-pricing schemes.

Pensions Bill To ensure eligible workers are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme and employers give a minimum contribution.

Planning Reform Bill To create a separate planning system for major infrastructure projects and simplify the planning system for minor home improvements.

Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill To cut local authority regulations on businesses.

Sale of Student Loans Bill To sell the student loan book, which should raise £6bn over three years.

Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill To replace the Child Support Agency with the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.

Children and Young Persons Bill To ensure higher standards for children in care and to ensure children do not move schools in Years 10 and 11 where possible.

Citizenship and Immigration (draft) Bill To “take forward any recommendations” from the review of citizenship by Lord Goldsmith.

Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill To enable the government to spend money unclaimed for 15 years on youth facilities.

EC Finance Bill To enable the government to pay the EC budget from the Consolidated Fund.

2007/1597

Full planning

135 St Johns Road, Walthamstow E17 4JH

Erection of single storey rear extension and conversion of dwellinghouse into two self-contained flats (2×2 bed)

Decision Approved with conditions 14/10/2007

2007/1889

Full Planning

Erection of part single, part two-storey rear extension, formation of two bedroom self-contained flat on first floor and alterations to shopfront to form entrance to flat

157 Wadham Road, Walthamstow E17

2007/1920

Full Planning

1)    Demolition of side garage and erection of two story building to form 1×3 bed dwellinghouse including room in roof with rear dormer window.

2)    Erection of single storey rear extension to existing house

1 Kenilworth Avenue, Walthamstow E17 4PD

2007/1930

Full Planning

1)    Erection of single storey rear extension and loft conversion with rear dormer window.

2)    Conversion of property into two self-contained flats (1×2 bed, 1×3 bed)

208 St Johns Road, Walthamstow E17 4JN

 There are a number of vacancies for School Patrols. If you are interested contact David at the address below

1 St Marys RC Station Rd/Outside Bull & Crown PH, E4

David Garrod
Accident Prevention Officer
London Borough of Waltham Forest
020 8496 6009

2007/1597

Full planning

109 Kenilworth Avenue Walthamstow E17 4PA

Erection of single storey rear extension

Decision Approved with conditions 11/10/2007

2007/1610

Full planning

22 Woodend Road Walthamstow E17 4JS

Erection of part single, part two storey rear extension

Decision Approved with conditions 16/10/2007

2007/1630/CLP

Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulness

132 Winchester Road Highams Park E4 9JP

An application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed use- erection of a single storey rear extension

Decision Approved on 10/10/2007

 2007/1799

Full Planning

Erection of new two storey, three bedroom dwelling house at side.

31 Penrhyn Avenue Walthamstow E17 5DA

2007/1817

Full Planning

Installation of new shop front and roller shutter.

14 Chingford Road Walthamstow E17 4PJ

2007/1831

Full Planning

Conversion of property into 2 self contained flats (1×2 bed & 1×1 bed).

323 Fulbourne Road Walthamstow E17 4HL

2007/1841

Full Planning

Loft conversion with rear dormer window.

18 Wadham Avenue Walthamstow E17 4HT

2007/1847

Full Planning

Erection single storey rear extension.

273 Fulbourne Road Walthamstow E17

2007/1865

Full Planning

Conversion of dwelling house into 2 self contained flats (2×2 bed).

3 Kingsley Road Walthamstow E17 4AU

2007/1875/CLP

Section 192 proposed certificate of lawfulness

An application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed development – formation of a room in the roof, involving the installation of a rear dormer window

27 Wadham Avenue Walthamstow E17 4HS

2007/1882

Full Planning

Addition to existing use as recording studio to include ancillary entertainment and social events

Prestige House 26 Clifford Road Walthamstow E17 4JE

In 2008 works will begin to improve the road layout around Hoe Street in Walthamstow Town Centre. The works will be carried out by Waltham Forest Council, with funding from Transport for London (TfL).

An assessment of the existing traffic conditions in the area by the Council and TfL has shown that buses experience considerable delays as a result of the current layout. The area could also be improved for other road users and pedestrians.

The Council has developed a new design for the road layout in the area to reduce delays for vehicles and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. This will improve access to Walthamstow Central Station and the Bus Station.

The Council has listened to views from representatives of local cyclists, people with disabilities, pedestrians, taxis and other groups. The Centre for Cycling Excellence at TfL provided advice to ensure the new scheme balances the needs of cyclists with other road users.

The new layout, shown in the plan, will include the following improvements:

• More cycle lanes will be created to allow cyclists a safer journey, and improve access to the Bike Shed in Station Approach.
• New Toucan crossings will be installed for use by both pedestrians and cyclists.
• The area for pedestrians will be increased. Footpaths will be made wider and a new pedestrian area will be created between Selborne Road and Station Approach on the existing northbound bridge.
• The existing southbound bridge will take two-way traffic.
• Selborne Road and Station Approach will become signalised t-junctions with Hoe Street.
• Traffic will be able to turn right from Hoe Street directly into Selborne Road, rather than go through several junctions as at present.
• Improved coordination between all traffic lights in the town centre will allow traffic to flow more evenly.
• The area will benefit from new planters and improved street lighting.

The design for the new traffic scheme has been checked for safety by an independent road safety audit team. Further design work is currently underway, and subject to approvals by Transport for London, construction will begin early in 2008.

For comments or suggestions email traffic.scheme@walthamforest.gov.uk or call Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000. You can view the large scale plans of the scheme at Chingford Municipal Offices, The Ridgeway, E4 6PS.

Please see below a full list of public lighting concrete column replacement programme to be carried out. Work starts November 5th and will be complete by February 2008

Roads in Chapel End E17

Lib Dem Parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Spokesman, Don Foster MP, lends his support to the Waltham Forest Cultural Consultation

Your local Liberal Democrats have announced the launch of a consultation into the running of cultural services in the borough.

In response to complaints about the council’s actions regarding local cultural services such as Walthamstow Library, Vestry House and William Morris Gallery, Cllr John Macklin said that the Lib Dems were keen to see greater resident input into the running of such vital local facilities.

Cllr Macklin said: “The future of our local cultural services has been of great concern to residents. We want to hear their views on how the management of such facilities could be improved”.
 

2007/1501

Full planning

8 Penrhyn Grove Walthamstow E17 5DE

Erection of single story rear extension

Decision Approved with conditions on 03/10/07

2007/1526

Full planning

104 Forest View Road Walthamstow E17 4EL

Erection of single story rear extension

 Decision Approved with conditions on 03/10/07 

2007/1572/ADV

Advertisement

Land outside 197 Chingford Road Walthamstow E17 5AB

Installation of advertisement panel on payphone kiosk

 Decision Refused on 03/10/07 

2007/1573/ADV

  Land outside 282-284 Chingford Road Walthamstow E17 5AL

Installation of advertisement panel on payphone kiosk

 Decision Approved conditionally on 03/10/07    

2007/1731

Erection of two-story building comprising four self-contained flats

20 Sturge Avenue, Walthamstow E17 4LQ

2007/1763

Demolition of conservatory, erection of single story rear extension and formation of a room in the roof involving installation of rear dormer window

8 Rushbrook Crescent Walthamstow E17 5BZ

During October a number of Council services will be re-locating to new and improved offices at Sycamore House in the Waltham Forest Town Hall complex on Forest Road, Walthamstow.

The moves will make these services available to all Waltham Forest residents from a central location. The newly refurbished offices will provide a more welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors and staff, and the improved facilities will mean we can offer better customer service to residents.

From Monday 15 October, Development Control, Building Control, Transport and Planning services will be located at Sycamore House, not Chingford Municipal Offices.

From Monday 22 October, Trading Standards, Food and Safety, Licensing, and Environmental Health will be located at Sycamore House, not 154 Blackhorse Road.

Residents should note that from the end of October, there will be no Council services operating from Chingford Municipal Offices, or 157 Blackhorse Road.

Leave your mark on the environment by participating in the Council’s Adopt a Tree Scheme and helping make Waltham Forest greener than ever before.

The initiative was launched this week (Wednesday) when the first adopted tree was planted in Selbourne Walk, Walthamstow. The Council hopes it will help make Waltham Forest one of the greenest boroughs in London and contribute towards reducing the effects of climate change.  

Estate agents Ellis & Co (formerly Adam Kennedy) were the first business to sign up to the scheme and have agreed to adopt twelve trees in the first year.

Cllr Bob Belam, Cabinet Member for Environment said, The Adopt a Tree scheme shows this Council is commited to making Waltham Forest a greener and more pleasant place to live and reducing the impact of climate change.

“We are very proud of our parks and open spaces and anyone who wants to take part in this scheme should contact us to find out more details.”

It costs £150 to adopt each tree and each comes with a commemorative plaque which can be dedicated to anyone the adopter chooses. People who have no gardening skill whatsoever need not be discourage from adopting a tree as Council staff will look after it.

Businesses are asked to adopt 12 trees a year while individual residents can adopt as many or as few as they wish.

The adopt a tree scheme supports other work the council is doing to tackle climate change. This includes the production of a climate change strategy and the introduction of green parking charges designed to reduce car emissions in the borough.

To find out more information about how to adopt a tree or a flower bed, contact Corinne Hibberd, Initiatives Manager, on 020 8496 3000 or corinne.hibberd@walthamforest.gov.uk or visit: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/adopt-a-tree-scheme

PLANNING permission for the Olympic Park was granted yesterday, allowing the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to construct the Games’ venues.

Two applications, totalling 10,000 pages, were submitted in February, outlining sporting venues, highways, bridges, river works, utilities and open space.

The applications were approved in principal last month by the ODA’s planning committee.

They were then referred to the Government Office for London (GOL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) for consideration who have now given their agreement for approval.

ODA chief executive David Higgins said: “Receiving planning permission is a huge step forward.

“The recognition of the regeneration value of our plans gives us continued momentum as we continue work to create a world class Olympic Park for Games and legacy.

“With planning permission for the Olympic Park secured, we will continue consultation on detailed planning applications for individual venues and on the legacy masterplan, so there will continue to be opportunities for people to comment on the plans for the future Olympic and legacy Park.”

The planning permissions and conditions can be viewed at www.london2012.com/planning/past-committee-meetings.php

From Waltham Forest Guardian

As consumers, we come across excess packaging as an everyday occurrence. A simple trip to the supermarket results in the accumulation of vast amounts of card, foil and plastic, much of which is disposed of as soon as we get home. The Government’s Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) says that families now spend £470 on packaging each year, one-sixth of their food budget. 

A recent survey by Jo Swinson MP found Easter Eggs taking up as little as 9% of the volume of their total packaging. Some consumers have even taken matters into their own hands by removing packaging and leaving it at the checkout. 

The Government’s regulations on excess packaging are totally ineffective – only four firms have been successfully prosecuted under the current legislation. We need to look at ways to toughen these laws, so that producers take seriously their role in reducing excess packaging.

The commitments companies have made to reduce packaging are on a voluntary basis at present. We need to monitor the progress they make to see that these commitments are met.

We also need to empower consumers, giving them greater choice over how much excess packaging they buy, as well as making sure extra costs for producers are not simply passed on to shoppers.

The issue is gathering momentum in Parliament, with Early Day Motion 814 having attracted 112 MPs signatures, and two separate Private Members Bills addressing excess packaging. We will seek to keep the spotlight on packaging to highlight the ineffectiveness of Government policy.

What you can do about excess packaging?

• Lobby your MP to add their name to EDM 814. You can conctact your MP via www.writetothem.com
• Write direct to DEFRA at Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
• Contact us with your worst examples of excess packaging: swinsonj@parliament.uk 
• Raise the issue with your local supermarket – ask if they will recycle your packaging for you

Applicability

 The Liberal Democrats today revealed radical proposals to transform Britain into an international leader in tackling climate change, making the country carbon neutral by 2050.

The measures, which will be debated at the party’s conference in Brighton next month, strengthen the Liberal Democrats’ position as the only major political party with specific proposals designed to face the challenge of climate change.

Proposals in the paper ‘Zero Carbon Britain - Taking a Global Lead’ include:

• Major improvements to the rail network and the construction of a high speed rail line, paid for by tolling lorries on motorways
• A commitment to 100 per cent carbon free, non-nuclear electricity by 2050
• The use of green taxes to make the polluter pay, using the revenue to cut income tax
• Introducing ‘green mortgages’ to enable people to make their homes more energy efficient

Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said:

“Britain should not be a bit player in finding that solution; we should be leading the pack.

“Under our proposals, the United Kingdom would set the green standard for others to reach.”

Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

“This ambitious objective for zero-carbon Britain would put us in the global lead in tackling climate chaos along with Sweden, Norway and New Zealand.

“Just as crucially, we have set out plans that are the first attempt of any British political party to tackle carbon emissions from every part of the economy: transport, energy, housing, offices and factories. The time for talk has passed; we need action.

“The Labour Government is going backwards with Gordon Brown’s demotion of the Cabinet committee on the environment, cuts in green taxes and rising carbon emissions.

“The Tories have so far only proposed airport expansion and road building that would make the problem worse.

“These plans are the first and only realistic route march for change.”

The extent of the “collapse” of the LATS market is emerging, with two of the UK’s largest waste disposal authorities revealing a “substantial surplus” of landfill allowances available.

The details have emerged since councils revealed their “disappointment” over low Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) prices last week (see letsrecycle.com story).

North London’s new in-vessel composting plant in Edmonton has helped build its LATS surplus

Authorities are now seeking to off-load the allowances, which permit the landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste, at prices as low as £4.80 per tonne in the hope of attracting some kind of value.This represents a drop from the £17-20 per tonne prices seen in the first two years of the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme since it started in 2005/06 - and even those prices were described as “low” at the time compared to the potential £150 per tonne fines for authorities failing to keep within their allowance limits.

One offer for allowances has been posted on Defra’s LATS register for the first Landfill Directive target year of 2009/10, and that is at just £50 per tonne.

One reason suggested for the collapse of the market has been the downturn in the growth in waste arisings along with significantly improved levels of recycling and composting.

Local authority officers are not facing pressure from the situation at present, because it is widely expected that the crunch time will not come until after 2010, since the 2013 Landfill Directive to slash landfill rates in half compared to 1995 levels is seen as the key challenge for councils.

But there are warnings that when a shortage of landfill allowances hits, there could be a sudden “scramble” for surplus allowances.

Surplus

LATS is described by Defra as “one of the government’s key measures to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste going to landfill”, and sets disposal authorities a steadily decreasing limits each year on the paper and organic waste they can send to landfill. Authorities easily meeting these targets can trade spare allowances to those unable to meet their allowance levels of landfilling in a given year.

A report from the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority issued this month suggests it alone has now built up a 340,000 tonnes surplus of allowances to send biodegradable waste to landfill, for the financial year 2007/08.

Another large waste disposal authority - the North London Waste Disposal Authority - has revealed this week that it has built up a surplus of almost 150,000 tonnes of landfill allowances from that start of the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme in 2005/06 to this financial year, 2007/08.

Such is the state of the LATS market that North London believes it now has a “large safety net” in case it needs to take its “ageing” Edmonton incinerator off-line for any significant unplanned downtime or if any further legislative environmental improvements need to be made.

Poor demand for LATS allowances has meant that we do not have a budget for revenue income from that source

 
Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority

Meanwhile, according to Defra’s LATS register, Hampshire has already arranged the transfer of more than 580,000 tonnes of surplus allowances to other authorities in the first three years of the scheme.

These LATS surpluses have been cultivated by disposal authorities because the system allows disposal authorities to bank unused allowances from one year to use in later years. The exception to this banking is in Landfill Directive target years - 2010, 2013, 2020 - when the UK must meet European landfill targets; in these years allowances cannot be brought in from other years’ allocations.

Commenting on the causes of the surplus to the Authority’s board, North London officers said: “The perceived wisdom is that this is due to a downturn in the growth in the waste stream coupled with a general improvement in recycling and composting levels.”

Prices

Revealing the difficult state of the market for selling allowances, Manchester’s officers said in their report: “The Authority did sell 23,500 allowances in 2005/06. Since then, however, the market has collapsed and, with most WDAs currently sitting on surpluses, it is extremely difficult to find any buyers.

“The only deal of any value recorded on the Defra LATS Register in 2007 was for 20,000 allowances in April at a price of £5 per allowance,” it added.

The North London report notes that in the last few months 1.3 million tonnes worth of allowances have been put on the market for the years 2006/07 to 2008/09, with prices as low as £4.80 per tonne.

Manchester, and other authorities, face the prospect of losing their built-up surpluses of allowances at the end of 2008/09, prior to the first Landfill Directive target year of 2009/10. Its officers said: “It is therefore important that the Authority attempts to dispose of its surpluses before then.”

A notice is likely to be put out by Manchester that its allowances will be available “in line with the last trade at £5″ in order to generate interest from buyers. Manchester’s treasurer noted that “poor demand for LATS allowances has meant that we do not have a budget for revenue income from that source”.

North London is suggesting that when it comes to seek a sale of its surplus in 2007/08 and 2008/09, it will look at the current volume-weighted average prices posted by others and offer 5-10% lower for its allowances.

Its advisers, AEA Technology, have suggested selling allowances in 1,000 tonne “parcels” to determine the market’s appetite to buy.

The North London Waste Authority is predicting a 141,901 tonne surplus in the year after the first Landfill Directive target year, thanks in part to its Edmonton incinerator, a new in-vessel composting plant and plans to increase both recycling and composting.

Related links

• Greater Manchester WDA
• North London Waste Authority
• Defra: LATS

It is hoping that 2009/10 to 2012/13 “is the period in which the Authority might reasonably expect to obtain some real value from the sale of surplus allowances.”

Hampshire county council has been disappointed by the lack of income from its surplus allowances, but said it had been “prudent” in arranging its forward plans without including any potential LATS income. County accountants said as a result, they had “certainly not seen any headache” from the low LATS prices, adding that there had been other benefits from the county’s investment in landfill diversion infrastructure, which includes three new incinerators.

However, despite the apparently comfortable situation for buyers of landfill allowances at the moment, there was a word of warning from the North London authority, which pointed out: “If the waste stream growth changes adversely, or if recycling and composting levels flatten, or if planned new facilities do not come on stream, perhaps because of a failure to obtain planning consent, this could lead to a scramble for the purchase of allowances during the 2008/09 reconciliation period.”

London is to get four new recycling and reprocessing plants which will turn waste into renewable energy. It’s thought that the first one will be ready for building from 2008.

The London Climate Change Agency - part of the London Development Agency (LDA) - will work with London Remade to identify waste projects across London and develop the infrastructure to produce renewable fuels which can be used to supply buildings and transport systems. The new plants will turn organic waste and wood and paper into renewable gas using anaerobic digestion and a process called gasification.

The £225,000 project will also help to deliver the aims of the Mayor of London’s ‘climate change action plan’ to reduce London’s carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025, 25 years ahead of the government’s target.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said; “This is an important first step in developing what could become a major tool in our struggle to prevent catastrophic climate change. To achieve the sort of carbon emission cuts that are necessary in London, we have to move from a society based on huge waste of energy to one that finds every available method to create energy without adding to carbon emissions. Extracting energy from our rubbish, rather than simply dumping it in landfill sites or burning it, is a perfect example.”

Daniel Silverstone, chief executive of London Remade said: “We believe the capital needs £4bn investment in its waste management infrastructure if it is to meet the Mayor’s target of managing 85 per cent of its waste by 2020. The LDA funding is a positive step in helping us to achieve this goal.”

THIEVES have used a non-existent guinea pig to cheat their way into elderly people’s homes in Waltham Forest.

Seven residents were targeted in three hours last week, while scores of residents from all over the borough have had jewellery, handbags and hundreds of pounds of cash stolen over the past two weeks.

According to Det Insp Brian McCluskey of Leyton police, the burglars operate a highly sophisticated information about where elderly people live or those who have valuable property.

They use excuses from checking the water meter to searching for a lost guinea pig, on about five occasions, to get into people’s homes - a crime known as distraction burglary.

He said: “This is very very unusual number of crimes. People are marked out for being elderly or having valuable property. The thieves look for grab rails and net curtains.They are despicable.”

The burglars have been operating across the borough, with reports of thefts coming from Leyton, Leytonstone, Wood Street in Walthamstow and Chingford, as well as in neighbouring boroughs.

One 86-year-old victim, of Sinnet Road, Walthamstow, had a handbag containing £24 in cash stolen after she opened the door to two men who said they had lost their guinea pig and believed it could be in her back garden.

They pretended to search her kitchen before taking the bag.

A gold, diamond and sapphire ring, a watch and brooch were stolen from Drayton Road, Leytonstone, £190 was taken from Cooks Close, Leytonstone, and a handbag containing £36 was stolen from Worcester Road, Walthamstow, between Tuesday and Thursday, September 18 to 20.

DI McCluskey said that his team had obtained extra funding and resources to launch a search. He reminds residents to be cautious about opening the door to people they don’t know.

Descriptions of the conmen are sketch, but have been described as white men, with one aged in his early to mid 20s.

If you can help identify the thieves or have any information, call 020 8345 246

“Since compulsory recycling began on 10 September 2007 there has been an overwhelming response from residents.  I have been astonished by the support which  the scheme has received and early indications are that the volume of waste that residents are recycling has already increased by almost 20%.

“We have had thousands of requests for new recycling bins and there are four dedicated vehicles delivering the extra recycling boxes each day. I have always publicly stated that both residents and the Council will need time to adjust to compulsory recycling and it was never our intention to immediately monitor the compulsory element.

“We want to help people to recycle - I’ve said many times before that it is not our intention to fine residents and we will only consider doing so after persistent refusal to recycle.”

Thousands of people descended on Leytonstone to enjoy this year’s sixth annual Car Free Day event on Sunday.  The event was bigger and better than ever.  Visitors got to enjoy live bands, performers, cycling displays and a children’s fun fair.  The streets were filled with stalls and displays including a French and Continental market.

The artificial grass at the top of Church Lane outside the Library looked fantastic and
incorporated an “International Food Court” around it - people were able to buy food and drink and sit outside to enjoy it in what is normally a fairly busy road.

The aim of Car Free Day is that one-day a year some of the borough’s Town Centres become traffic-free zones and everyone gets to leave the car behind.

Waltham Forest Council’s Cabinet member for Environment Cllr Bob Belam, said: “Car Free day is a fun, community event, which I hope will raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of sustainable living and sustainable transport.”

“This year we highlighted the different transport modes available and encouraged
People to reduce their car use. 234 people pledged to swap at least one car journey a week for an alternative mode of transport such as walking, cycling or public transport.”

This year adults and children had the opportunity to try out bikes - everything from a Penny Farthing to a recumbent tricycle. There was a unicycle as well as a mountain bike aerial display show and live music from Imagination and The Beat.

The Council is planning on rewarding drivers in the borough who have eco-friendly cars with cheaper car parking. The Green Parking scheme comes into place on 1st of October with residents who have low emission, electric, hybrid or cars converted to run on LPG benefiting from a 50% discount on the cost of their CPZ permit.

The Council has realised that cars are one of  the contributors to rising emissions of CO2 in the borough and by reducing these emissions it will help in tackling climate change.

A significant proportion of residents may be unaffected by the changes as cars in the average range would continue to be charged at the current rates (£45 for the first, £80 for the second and £105 for the third and subsequent permits at each household). However, residents with high emission vehicles like 4×4s and larger cars with engines of 2,001cc or more may be subject to a 100% increase. The vehicles most affected will be those with a CO2 emission over 185 g/km or if registered before
1st March 2001and being over 2,000cc.

Councillor Bob Belam, Environmental Services said: “Waltham Forest has committed itself to becoming one of the greenest boroughs in Greater London.  Green parking is one of many steps we are taking that will make a direct impact on climate change.
“We have identified cheaper parking as a positive way to reward drivers that help cut emissions. The Council estimates the number of low emission vehicles could go up by between two and five per cent as a result of green parking scheme.”

Waltham Forest Council are proud to announce Leytonstone United Free Church and Kings Florists (Chingford) as the first two groups to adopt a flower bed in the Councils new Adopt a Flower Bed scheme.

As a gift of goodwill the Council have supplied both groups with the necessary tools to keep the flower beds in good condition and have also provided some of the plants.  This project has been designed to get local involvement in helping to brighten up the borough and make it a cleaner and greener place to live and work.  It is also an opportunity for residents to help contribute in addressing the effects of climate change.

In agreeing to adopt a flower bed these local green heroes have volunteered to be responsible for the general maintenance of the flower bed, which includes planting, weeding and removing litter.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Bob Belam said “I think this is a wonderful idea. I am hopeful that more community groups get involved in this fun activity and help brighten up the borough.  Those who adopt a flower bed will have a plaque displaying their name and details next to the garden.”
 
Waltham Forest has also recently developed the adopt-a-tree programme to increase the number of trees in the borough in an effort to make it one of the greenest boroughs in Greater London. The estate agents Ellis and Co, formerly Adam Kennedy are the first company to adopt one tree a month for a year.
 
The Council has numerous locations available around the borough and is looking for more people to enjoy flower power in Waltham Forest. If you would like to adopt a flower bed or a tree contact: Corinne Hibberd at corinne.hibberd@walthamforest.gov.uk

Local Lib Dems have welcomed a report which rates them as the top performing party on ‘green’ issues. However, they have acknowledged that all three main parties still have more work to do to tackle climate change. The report by the Green Alliance, entitled How green are our parties? The Green Standard report, claims that the Liberal Democrats have offered “the strongest set of policies on climate change, green taxation and green living” whilst also delivering “the most substantive policy commitments”. The Lib Dems were the only party to receive the top ‘green star’ rating for their action on Climate Change, Green Living and Environmental Tax and Subsidies, with the report claiming that the party’s ambitious green taxation plans were part of a “bold and far reaching strategy”. The report, however, awarded no ‘green star’ ratings to the Conservatives, claiming that “the gap between their aspirations on the environment and their limited policy commitments is stark”. Liberal Democrat group member Cllr Bob Belam said: “It is pleasing that the Liberal Democrat’s ambitious and forward thinking work on climate change is being recognised.  Tackling the problem requires tough action to be taken, and our commitment to initiatives such as green taxation schemes shows that we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is on this issue. “The report suggests that some of the rhetoric coming from other parties on the issue is little more than hot air”. However, Cllr Belam was quick to acknowledge that all parties had a responsibility to step up their work on all aspects of environmental protection. “Environmental action isn’t simply confined to action on climate change, but ensuring that we instill a ‘green’ ethic amongst residents can benefit our living environment in Waltham Forest aswell as making a contribution on a larger scale” 

Residents and Councillors have voted to spend £2k of the annual community fund on an anti litter campaign to raise awareness in reducing litter.

The area targeted for the campaign is Wood Street Junction to Bell Corner and down to Lloyd Park and from the Bell Corner to Chingford Road to Sir George Monoux College and the side roads bordering off Chingford Road.  These are the main areas of concern and is due to the high concentration of fast food outlets and general litter in this area.

Walthamstow West Community Council and Waltham Forest Environmental Services jointly invited Sir George Monoux College and Waltham Forest College to collaborate in producing an anti-litter campaign DVD.  Five students in their spare time have produced and edited a 2-minute anti litter advert  called “drop the litter, the price is bitter” which was targeted at 16-25 year olds. The students with the help of the Councils multi-media department came up with the ideas for the advert and directed, filmed and edited the production.

Cllr Bob Belam, Cabinet member for the Environment said, “”We are delighted with the outcome of the Anti-litter DVD. Projects like this are made all the more worthwhile with fresh ideas from creative students. The Council would like to thank the students for their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in producing this DVD. The anti litter campaign message will be seen by most new students and I believe it will help in making Waltham Forest a cleaner and greener place.”

Highways enforcement teams will be patrolling the area in the future to make sure the area is kept clean. The patrols will be carried out in partnership with the police safer neighbourhood teams, who are authorised to issue fixed penalty notices for littering on the Councils behalf.

A Labour party councillor has been barred from public office for three years and fined £1000 for making false allegations of paedophilia against her gay opponent.

“In accordance with its legal duties, the council is taking appropriate steps to apply this suspension.”

Cllr Bob Belam and Cllr John Macklin reported the overgrown hedges and dumped rubbish that we found in Chaucer Road.

Cllr John Macklin reported the rubbish dumped in a front garden in Chingford Road. Officers of the council issued the estate agents with a warning notice, giving them 28 days to have the rubbish removed. 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr Bob Carey reported the rubbish dumped in a front garden in Fulbourne Road. Officers of the council issued the residents with a warning notice, giving them 28 days to have the rubbish removed. 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr Bob Belam reported the rubbish that constantly collects in Penrhyn Crescent near the junction with Chingford Road. Officers of the council are inspecting the area on a regular basis, to try and catch the culprits. 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr John Macklin reported the rubbish dumped on the pavement in Brettenham Road.  

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr John Macklin reported the rubbish dumped in the flats in Chingford Road by the entrance near Evesham Avenue to Ascham Homes. 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr Bob Belam reported the barriers left by Murphy’s 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr Bob Carey reported the rubbish dumped in a front garden in Chingford Road. Officers of the council issued the estate agents with a warning notice, giving them 28 days to have the rubbish removed. We are pleased to say the estate agents complied within 7 days. 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr Bob Belam and Cllr John Macklin reported the overgrown hedges and dumped rubbish that we found in Kitchener Road. 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr Bob Belam and Cllr Bob Carey reported the two Sainsbury’s trolleys and the dumped mattress that we found in Roberts Road. 

The Focus Team working for you!

Cllr Bob Belam and Cllr John Macklin met residents of Garner Road as they were leaving their garage area. We were disgusted by the dumped rubbish outside of their garage.

We emailed the cleansing department to have the area cleaned up.

 The Focus Team working for you!

The conversion of four shops into four self contained flats comprising 3 x1 bed and 1 x 2 bed has been approved by the planning department.

Following a number of accidents in Chingford Road between the Billet and Omnibus Way the council is bidding for funds from Transport for London for a scheme to reduce these accidents.

The bid is for funds from the 2008/9 allocations for implementation in 2009/10.

 We will keep you informed.

 Focus working for you!

A resident complained to the Focus Team about a caravan complete with gas bottles dumped behind the garages in Knebworth Avenue. Children were playing inside the caravan and had turned on the gas. Cllr Bob Belam called the Safer Neighbourhood Team who attended and warned the children of the dangers. Cllr Bob Belam also emailed Ascham Homes Chief Executive who arranged for an officer to attend and remove the gas bottles within half an hour and have the caravan removed the following day.

 That is what we call service.

A resident complained to the Focus Team about a removal van dumping rubbish behind the garages in Knebworth Avenue. This site belongs to Ascham Homes. The large black sack contained meat products. Ascham Homes could not remove the rubbish for 24 hours.

The Councils environment department removed the offending sack within 3 hours.

That is what we call service.

A new two-tier scheme for penalising illegal parking
has come into force in the Capital.
The scheme is based on the seriousness of the
contravention committed. It means drivers parking
at bus stops, on pedestrian crossings, or in safety
zones outside schools, will receive a higher
penalty than those overstaying at parking meters.
Other contraventions include wrongly using bus
lanes, entering a box junction when exits are
blocked and ignoring a no-entry sign.
A £120 penalty will be applied to the more
serious contraventions in central London, while
lesser contraventions will attract a penalty of £80.
In outer London, the penalty will be £100 and
£60. All penalties will be reduced by 50 per cent
if paid within 14 days.
The introduction of the scheme follows an
extensive consultation with the public, motoring
organisations and other interested parties, carried
out last year by London Councils and TfL.
Go to www.londoncouncils.gov.uk for
more information.  

DON’T DUMP IT!

The Council will provide three free special collections per year to each domestic household. The year runs from 1st April to 31st March. Further collections can be provided at a cost starting at £23.50 (£20.00 plus VAT). All collections carried out within ten working days.
Examples of what can be collected on a special collection:
o   up to 10 light sacks of household or
o   garden waste or
o   a 3-piece suite or
o   a dining room suite (table and 4 chairs) or
o   1 double, or 2 single wardrobes or
o   a bed and mattress
o   one item of white goods (fridge/cooker/ washing machine/dishwasher/spin dryer/freezer etc or similar appliance)
This service is available for most types of household items but does not include fixtures and fittings, carpets, construction waste (bricks, rubble, concrete,patio slabs etc) or garden fixtures (sheds, garages, fencing etc)
To request a Special Collection
Contact Waltham Forest Direct 020 8496 3000  

This is just to update you with regard to these properties.

 The Council issued enforcement notices in respect of the unauthorised conversions and extensions. The owner appealed against the notices but the Planning Inspector has now dismissed the appeal. The owner therefore has to comply with the requirements of the notices. The compliance period is 6 months from the date of the Inspectors decision(19 June 2007).

Cllr John Macklin and Cllr Bob Belam were on a regular ward walk when they came across these pot holes is Northbank Road.

John posed for the photo and Bob emailed the department on Saturday1st September to ask for them to be repaired.

A return email promised they would be repaired the following day.

 Here is the proof. This we thought was good service.

However on close inspection we found that the job was not done too well and another hole nearby had been missed. We have reported this and expect the job to be done again!

Londoners are today being invited to help shape the capital’s future environmental policies by deciding whether or not to introduce a London-wide levy – or even an outright ban – on throw away shopping bags.
London Councils has launched a public consultation to give Londoners the opportunity to tell them what they think of one of the key provisions that will make up the 10th London Local Authorities Bill (LLAB).
The organisation first announced its intention to tackle the issue of throw away shopping bags in July, and is now calling on Londoners to tell them what they want. This is a unique opportunity for the capital’s residents to help shape and draft a future piece of legislation – and one that can make a significant difference to the environment.
The consultation asks the public its views on a range of options – from doing nothing, to an outright ban on all throw away shopping bags – or just for plastic ones. The consultation runs until Friday 26 October, and the views expressed in responses to the consultation will help shape the final proposal that will go into the 10th LLAB, due to be deposited in Parliament in November.
In the UK, over 13 billion bags are issued every year to shoppers – roughly 220 per person every year. For London, a conservative figure based on population size would indicate Londoners use at least 1.6 billion bags per year – although the number of tourists in the capital suggests that this figure is probably much higher.
While some of these bags will be re-used once or twice, official figures reveal that only one in 200 of these are recycled, meaning that billions of shopping bags are sent to landfill every year. Many of these will be plastic bags that can take over 400 years to break down.
The government, retailers and consumers recognise this as a problem, and many of them are already making efforts to reduce the amount of throw away shopping bags sent to landfill. London Councils agrees with these concerns, and wants to give Londoners a chance to lead the country in a bold initiative.
Speaking on the launch of the consultation, Chairman of London Councils, Councillor Merrick Cockell, said:
“This is an opportunity for London and for Londoners to lead the country in a bold initiative. We are asking for their views on our proposals to do something about the billions of shopping bags that end up sent to landfill each year, and their views will directly shape one of the key provisions planned for the 10th LLAB.
“Inevitably, the big solutions to environmental issues will come from our cities, and London, as one of the world’s truly global cities, is keen to step up to the mark and take the lead. I would urge everyone to seize this opportunity to help shape London’s environmental future.”
Commenting on the proposals, Councillor Sean Brennan, London Councils executive member for sustainability, said:
“London’s local authorities are at the sharp end of waste disposal, and as such, we are keen to take a lead on this issue. People need to realise that the ‘free’ shopping bag they pick up in the supermarket is not really free at all – certainly not in its cost to the environment.
“Introducing a levy on plastic bags should help consumers think twice before picking them up in future. But if Londoners feel strongly enough to propose an outright ban on free throw away shopping bags, then that is what we will lobby for.”
The consultation will go live on, Friday 14 September, and runs until Friday, 26 October 2007. To take part, please visit: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/thebigquestion
What do we mean by a throw away shopping bag? Although plastic bags are often singled out – all types of throw away bag can have a significant environment impact.
So for the purposes of this consultation, ‘throw away shopping bags’ means all types of bags that are given away free and have a very limited intended and actual lifespan.
The outcome of the consultation will help shape one of the key provisions that will form part of the 10th London Local Authorities Bill, due to be deposited in November.
One role of London Councils is to help promote private legislation on behalf of the boroughs. As such, it helps to draft and then steer through Parliament, various parliamentary bills including the London Local Authorities Bills.
The most recent of these, the 9th Bill, recently received Royal Assent to become the London Local Authorities Act 2007.

The Commission for Integrated Transport (CFIT) has called for more to be done to cut carbon emissions from road vehicles, including installing gearshift indicators on dashboards to encourage drivers to use their gears properly and making drivers stick to a 70mph speed limit, generating 30 per cent less CO2 than at 80mph.The commission also said that emissions could be cut if air conditioning was used less and if roof racks were removed. It suggested that drivers could benefit from lessons in eco-motoring. Going easy on the accelerator and not breaking too heavily could make a significant difference. The CFIT called for all cars to produce no more than 100g of CO2 per kilometre by 2020 and wants the government to make flying more expensive. The committee said that its proposed measures would increase by 70 per cent the CO2 savings proposed by the government’s climate change programme, ie rather than stabilise carbon emissions by 2020, they would actually be reduced by 14 per cent. • Research by the Liberal Democrats has shown that the government may talk tough on the environment but green taxes have actually gone down in recent years. Fuel duty, landfill tax, hydrocarbon duty, air passenger duty and others took 2.7 per cent of national income in 2006 compared with a peak of 3.6 per cent in 1999. The Lib Dem Shadow Environment Secretary Chris Huhne said: “Mr Brown has cut green taxes by a fifth even though they are crucial to changing our behaviour. He has cut flood defence and climate research budgets. He vetoed the plan to toll road freight, and he ditched the legal requirements on big companies to report their environmental impact in operating and financial reviews.”• The Lib Dems are the greenest party, according to the Green Standard report by such environmental groups as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, WWF, the RSPB and the Campaign to Protect Rural England. The Lib Dems got three “green lights” in the report while Labour and the Tories didn’t get any 

High polluting cars would be subject to an annual tax of £2,000 as part of a package of measures to combat global warming by the Liberal Democrat Party.Zero-carbon vehicles would be exempt from vehicle excise duty under the proposals put forward by the party’s climate change policy group while gas-guzzlers would face a tenfold increase. The recommendations will be presented to delegates at the annual conference in Brighton next month for a vote - before they become official policy.“The Labour government’s aim of a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050 will not be enough,” said the report.“The objective of climate change strategy must be to make the UK carbon-neutral over the long term. A reduction in emissions of the magnitude that we are advocating will only happen if developed countries such as the UK take the lead by cutting their emissions.”The policy paper also suggests restricting airport runway capacity to current levels and new flight and freight green taxes.

Waltham Forest Council will soon reward drivers of eco-friendly cars with cheaper resident parking permits. The Green Parking scheme will come into place on Monday 1 October, and will link the cost of permits to the CO2 emissions of the vehicle.
The new charges will halve the current permit prices for the drivers of low emission vehicles, including electric or hybrid vehicles, while permits for high emission vehicles will double in price. It is expected that a significant proportion of drivers will be unaffected by the changes, as their vehicles will be classed as having average CO2 emissions, for which there is no change in permit charges.
From October, permits for low emission vehicles will cost £22.50 for the first permit in a household, £40 for the second and £52.50 for the third and subsequent permits. For average emission vehicles, permits will continue to be charged at the current costs of £45 for the first, £80 for the second and £105 for the third and subsequent permits in a household. High emission vehicles will be charged £90, £160 and £210 respectively for the first, second, and third and subsequent permits in a household.
Carbon dioxide emissions have been identified as a major contributor to climate change, and the Council is keen that residents choose greener forms of transport wherever possible.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Bob Belam, said “Waltham Forest has committed itself to becoming one of the greenest boroughs in Greater London. Green parking is one of many steps we are taking that will make a direct impact on climate change.
“We have identified cheaper parking as a positive way to reward drivers who help cut emissions. The Council estimates the number of low emission vehicles could go up by between two and five per cent as a result of green parking scheme.”
For more information on Green Parking, see www.walthamforest.gov.uk/parking-permits