Redbridge
Planning & Building Contacts

Around 25 conservation areas include Wanstead village, Barkingside High Street, Cranbrook and South Woodford. Wanstead Flats is part of Epping Forest (SSSI, City of London Corporation managed). Valentines Park (listed park) is the principal public open space. Ilford town centre has major regeneration ambitions with Crossrail driving intensification. The River Roding forms the western boundary and creates flood risk constraints. The Roding valley Green Belt protects the northern and eastern fringes.

Building regulations approval is required for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions, new windows and heating system changes. You may use either the council's own building control service or a private Approved Inspector. For listed buildings, building control must be coordinated with Listed Building Consent requirements.

Wanstead village is one of the best-preserved Georgian village cores in outer east London, with Wanstead House (demolished) once described as among England's finest Palladian mansions. Valentines Mansion (Grade II*) is the principal surviving historic house. The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Wanstead (Grade I) is a significant early 18th century church. Around 25 conservation areas protect historic village centres and inter-war suburban streets. Listed Building Consent is required in addition to planning permission for any works to a listed building that would affect its special architectural or historic interest, including internal works.

Flood risk from the River Roding affects the western parts of the borough, particularly around Ilford and Barking. The Roding corridor lies within Flood Zones 2 and 3. A Flood Risk Assessment is required for development in flood risk zones. Hainault Forest and the Roding valley also have surface water drainage constraints.