An east London community project that crowdfunded half-a-million pounds has been derailed by plans for a children’s home. Community members say “this has no benefit for the people of this area”.
The East London Waterworks project (ELWP) formed in 2019 to redevelop the Lea Bridge Waterworks.
The land the ELWP have proposed to build on is metropolitan land with the same environmental planning restrictions as the green belt, aimed to keep London green.
Proposed plans for the Waterworks project. Source: East London Waterworks Project
The project proposes to create an urban escape on the site including two wild swimming ponds, a forest school and a café.
It was backed by 5,000 crowd-funders who raised over £540,000.
However London Councils have received funding to build a children’s home on the site.
The home will provide specialist placements for vulnerable children with “complex needs”.
London Councils say “Nationally, there is a severe shortage of welfare placements in secure children’s homes and there is no facility of this kind in London”.
Both the London Councils and ELWP state thject site is the only suitable location for their projects.
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HeadlineUrban waterworks project delayed by plans for new children’s home
Short HeadlineCommunity nature project derailed by Barnet Council
StandfirstAn east London community project is delayed by council's plans to build children's home at proposed site.
An east London community project that crowdfunded half-a-million pounds has been derailed by plans for a children’s home. Community members say “this has no benefit for the people of this area”.
The East London Waterworks project (ELWP) formed in 2019 to redevelop the Lea Bridge Waterworks.
The land the ELWP have proposed to build on is metropolitan land with the same environmental planning restrictions as the green belt, aimed to keep London green.
Proposed plans for the Waterworks project. Source: East London Waterworks Project
The project proposes to create an urban escape on the site including two wild swimming ponds, a forest school and a café.
It was backed by 5,000 crowd-funders who raised over £540,000.
However London Councils have received funding to build a children’s home on the site.
The home will provide specialist placements for vulnerable children with “complex needs”.
London Councils say “Nationally, there is a severe shortage of welfare placements in secure children’s homes and there is no facility of this kind in London”.
Both the London Councils and ELWP state thject site is the only suitable location for their projects.
