38-Story Tower Blocks Proposed for Walthamstow

Tower blocks up to 38 stories high could soon appear in Walthamstow, U.K., as part of the regeneration of Blackhorse Lane, according to the BBC Local Democracy Service in a report on MyLondon.com. Uplands Business Park, an 11-acre site in the center of the industrial area, was recently bought by BlackRock, which is now working with housing developer NEAT on plans to build up to 1,800 new homes on the site, as well as industrial and employment spaces. Draft plans, presented to residents for consultation, show a line of eight tall tower blocks, alongside several mid- and low-rise buildings. The tallest proposed building is 38 stories (the area’s current tallest is 21 stories). The council’s local plan is currently being considered by a planning inspector before final approval. In the draft local plan, Blackhorse Lane is earmarked as an area with opportunities “to significantly increase height” and provide a “wayfinding landmark.” However, a skyline study in the draft plan recommends building heights ranging from 18-27 stories, lower than the proposals published by NEAT.