Using council buildings to meet local housing needs - 90 Crownfield Road

About the proposal
Waltham Forest is facing significant housing pressures, and more local families now need temporary accommodation. To help meet this need, the council is proposing to bring the currently empty 90 Crownfield Road, Leytonstone, E15, back into use as safe, self‑contained homes for local households who have become homeless.

What is proposed?
The council intends to submit a planning application in September / October 2026 to change the building from its previous use (offices) into temporary accommodation. The council will manage the accommodation and will provide a temporary home to families until they are able to move into settled accommodation, which is usually in the private rented sector.

There are no extensions or major external changes planned. The focus is on internal refurbishment and improving energy efficiency to create high‑quality temporary accommodation. This includes:

  • 14 new self‑contained homes, including 11 larger family homes
  • A modern, energy‑efficient new heating system
  • New windows, doors and landscaping to improve the building’s appearance
  • Upgraded safety measures such as lighting, CCTV and secure door‑entry

More information will be available on the engagement boards displayed at the consultation event in March.

Share your feedback
Your feedback will help shape the final proposals. You can get involved by:

  • Completing our short online survey: your feedback will help shape the final proposals. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey about the proposed change of use and improvements to 90 Crownfield Road. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

  • Attending a consultation event: We also have an in-person consultation event planned on Thursday 22 October from 4.30pm until 7.30pm at The Nexus Centre, 3 Snowberry Close, London E15, where you can meet the project team, view the proposals and ask questions.

Consultation

  • Our first phase of resident consultation took place between Monday 15 June and Monday 20 July 2026.
  • Our second phase of resident consultation will take place between Friday 16 October and Monday 2 November 2026.

About the proposal
Waltham Forest is facing significant housing pressures, and more local families now need temporary accommodation. To help meet this need, the council is proposing to bring the currently empty 90 Crownfield Road, Leytonstone, E15, back into use as safe, self‑contained homes for local households who have become homeless.

What is proposed?
The council intends to submit a planning application in September / October 2026 to change the building from its previous use (offices) into temporary accommodation. The council will manage the accommodation and will provide a temporary home to families until they are able to move into settled accommodation, which is usually in the private rented sector.

There are no extensions or major external changes planned. The focus is on internal refurbishment and improving energy efficiency to create high‑quality temporary accommodation. This includes:

  • 14 new self‑contained homes, including 11 larger family homes
  • A modern, energy‑efficient new heating system
  • New windows, doors and landscaping to improve the building’s appearance
  • Upgraded safety measures such as lighting, CCTV and secure door‑entry

More information will be available on the engagement boards displayed at the consultation event in March.

Share your feedback
Your feedback will help shape the final proposals. You can get involved by:

  • Completing our short online survey: your feedback will help shape the final proposals. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey about the proposed change of use and improvements to 90 Crownfield Road. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

  • Attending a consultation event: We also have an in-person consultation event planned on Thursday 22 October from 4.30pm until 7.30pm at The Nexus Centre, 3 Snowberry Close, London E15, where you can meet the project team, view the proposals and ask questions.

Consultation

  • Our first phase of resident consultation took place between Monday 15 June and Monday 20 July 2026.
  • Our second phase of resident consultation will take place between Friday 16 October and Monday 2 November 2026.
  • Why are we seeking your views?
    Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent consultation on proposals to bring 90 Crownfield Road back into use as temporary accommodation for local families. We received a wide range of comments and questions during the consultation. While some residents supported the proposals and recognised the need for more temporary accommodation, others raised concerns about the future use of the building and its impact on the local area. 

    Why are we carrying our further resident engagement? 
    We recognise that residents raised a number of important questions during the first phase of engagement. Before designs and planning application, we would like to provide further information about the proposals, explain how we are responding to the feedback received, show latest designs, and give residents another opportunity to ask any further questions to the project team.

    We are particularly keen to ensure residents have clear information about who temporary accommodation is for, how the building would be managed, and the measures that would be put in place to help support residents and neighbours.

    When completing the survey: Please do not include any personal information in your answers, such as your name, address, phone number, or email address.

    How to submit your feedback: Please submit your feedback by Monday 2 November 2026. 


    Take Survey
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
    Why are we seeking your views?

    We want to understand how the proposal to bring 90 Crownfield Road, Leytonstone, E15, back into use as temporary accommodation may affect local residents, particularly those living nearby. Your views will help us understand any concerns, suggestions, or ideas you have about the proposed change of use and the planned refurbishment works.

    Your feedback will help shape the final planning application before it is submitted, ensuring the proposals reflect the needs and priorities of the community.

    What do we hope to achieve?

    Through this consultation, we aim to:

    • Share clear information about the proposal to convert 90 Crownfield Road, Leytonstone into self‑contained temporary accommodation.
    • Listen to residents’ views, including any concerns about the building’s use, design, safety, and impact on the area.
    • Understand what support, improvements or assurances residents feel are important.
    • Use your feedback to refine the proposals and ensure they work well for both future residents and the local neighbourhood.

    Your input will directly influence the final version of the planning proposals, helping make sure they align with the experiences and expectations of the community.

    When completing the survey: 

    • Please do not include any personal information in your answers, such as your name, address, phone number, or email address.