We use cookies to ensure our site functions properly and to store limited information about your usage. You may give or withdraw consent at any time. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
Using council buildings to meet local housing needs - Rowan 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 Rowan House, 1 Cecil Road, E11 3HF, 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 May 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:
17 new self‑contained homes, including 12 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 130 Trumpington Road. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.
Attending a consultation event: We also have an in-person consultation event planned on Wednesday 11 March from 4:30pm until 7pm at Buxton School, 34 Cann Hall Rd, London E11 3NN, where you can meet the project team, view the proposals and ask questions.
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 Rowan House, 1 Cecil Road, E11 3HF, 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 May 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:
17 new self‑contained homes, including 12 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 130 Trumpington Road. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.
Attending a consultation event: We also have an in-person consultation event planned on Wednesday 11 March from 4:30pm until 7pm at Buxton School, 34 Cann Hall Rd, London E11 3NN, where you can meet the project team, view the proposals and ask questions.
We want to understand how the proposal to bring Rowan House, 1 Cecil Road, 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 Rowan House, 1 Cecil Road, 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 Tuesday 7 April 2026.
