Neighbourhood Plan – South Woodford Society

What is a Neighbourhood Plan?

Neighbourhood planning was introduced under the Localism Act to give local people a hands-on role in planning their neighbourhoods. It’s a process led by the community and supported by local councils. It gives us – the people who know and love South Woodford – the power to create a plan that directs future development and growth in our neighbourhood.

South Woodford Neighbourhood Plan

Our Neighbourhood Plan will set out the vision for South Woodford and objectives for the future, helping to guide planning policy.

The plan covers a neighbourhood area (South Woodford Neighbourhood Forum) recognised by the London Borough of Redbridge.

It is being developed in consultation with the community and is founded on our collective vision and aims for South Woodford. We’ve drawn conclusions from evidence, consultation feedback, and a deep understanding of South Woodford’s challenges and potential. Read more about how the plan developed.

Have your say

We have set up a Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group with four themed groups to examine core areas – Social, Environmental, Economic and Planning. There’s still time to have your say. If you are interested in any of these areas, contact us and we’ll put you in touch with the right person.

Neighbourhood Plan Vision

The vision for South Woodford covers the environment, business and culture:

South Woodford will be a clean, green and safe environment that is well-managed and maintained for all who live, work, learn and visit. It will be a place that people of all ages and from all walks of life can be proud of and will want to work together to protect.
Our town centre will be even busier and more vibrant with a great shopping experience for everyone.
Our green spaces will be enhanced and we will adopt an environmentally sensitive culture to protect and improve our amenities for everyone’s benefit.
Ensure the creation of well-designed and well-built structures that benefit all who depend upon South Woodford.

Neighbourhood Plan Aims

We will achieve our vision through key strategies and actions:

Building a stronger community, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach.
Creating a clean and safe environment.
Engendering a coherent and sustainable approach to development to support Redbridge’s policy of becoming net zero by 2030.
Ensuring a holistic approach to planning and infrastructure improvements.
Improving and increasing access to green spaces within the community, encouraging residents to support biodiversity and Redbridge’s Grow Zones initiative.
Enhancing the vibrancy of the town centre with a great variety of businesses.
Supporting local businesses through the established South Woodford Business Forum.
Preserving the heritage of South Woodford.

Digital Design Code

South Woodford was selected as one of only four neighbourhood forums to participate in the government’s funded Design Code Pathfinder Programme. The outcome is our Digital Design Code, a practical toolkit of design principles promoting good quality design throughout South Woodford. The code focuses on Green Space, Public Space, Walking & Cycling, and Amenities.