Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Consultation

What did we consult on?

In Waltham Forest we are committed to exemplar design quality at all scales. This draft Residential Alterations and Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides clear guidance for achieving exemplar design quality throughout the planning process for making changes to your home.

This document also provides guidance on how home alterations can incorporate retrofit measures which are changes to the existing building fabric aimed at reducing heat-loss, increasing ventilation, and using greener forms of energy. Not only can these changes make the home more comfortable, they also can reduce carbon emissions, improve energy performance and reduce your utility bills.

Consultation survey

The period of consultation on the draft document ran from Monday 2 February 2026 to Monday 16 March 2026.

We prepared a short survey for you to share your feedback on the draft Residential Alterations and Retrofit SPD. Relevant key documents can also be found on this page.

You can email your comments or any questions about the draft SPD to: spdconsultation@walthamforest.gov.uk or by post to: Place and Design Team, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 4JF

Consultation events

We planned a number of in-person consultation events, giving you the opportunity to speak with officers in more detail about the document:

*Ask an Architect event

This was an evening event where residents and local architects were invited to explore the guidance together, while discussing ideas for home extensions, alterations and retrofit projects.