Using council buildings to meet local housing needs - Cedar Wood House

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 Cedar Wood House, 2d Fulbourne Road, London E17 4GG, 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:

  • 16 new self‑contained homes, including 14 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 Cedar Wood House. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

  • Attending a consultation event: We also have an in-person consultation event planned on Thursday 2 July from 4.30pm until 7.30pm at Cedar Wood House, 2d Fulbourne Road, London E17 4GG, where you can meet the project team, view the proposals and ask questions.

Consultation
Resident consultation will take place between Monday 15 June 2026 and Monday 20 July 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 Cedar Wood House, 2d Fulbourne Road, London E17 4GG, 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:

  • 16 new self‑contained homes, including 14 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 Cedar Wood House. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

  • Attending a consultation event: We also have an in-person consultation event planned on Thursday 2 July from 4.30pm until 7.30pm at Cedar Wood House, 2d Fulbourne Road, London E17 4GG, where you can meet the project team, view the proposals and ask questions.

Consultation
Resident consultation will take place between Monday 15 June 2026 and Monday 20 July 2026.

  • Why are we seeking your views?

    We want to understand how the proposal to bring Cedar Wood House, 2d Fulbourne Road, London E17, 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 Cedar Wood House, 2d Fulbourne Road, London, 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.

    How to submit your feedback

    Please submit your feedback by Monday 20 July 2026. 

    Take Survey