Hackney residents at Leyton Marsh pic: Ruth Edwards

Local residents and councillors from Hackney are opposing an application by the Olympic Development Agency to build a temporary basketball-training venue on Leyton Marsh as they argue it will drastically effect the area.

The plan for the Olympic Games facility comprises of two 11-meter high court buildings as well as a drop off area, car park and a perimeter fence.

The ODA chose Leyton Marsh as the site for their venue after their previous choice had been deemed unsuitable for wheelchair access and therefore would not be able to be used by the various wheelchair basketball teams competing in the Paralympics.

Notices publicising the application were posted on and around the site and letters were sent to residents in Waltham Forest and Hackney.

However local residents told EastLondonLines that they felt not enough had been done to let people know about the proposal.

Many are concerned about the effect the plans will have, if accepted by Waltham Forest Council, on the site and the neighbouring nature reserve, which is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

The land is deemed Metropolitan Open Land and as a result should not be built upon unless it complies with certain conditions.

Though the Olympic Delivery Authority plans to build here due to the “very special circumstances” of one-off nature of the games.

The venue is not due to be open to the public at any time between it’s proposed time span of March 1 until October 15 this year.

A planning committee at Waltham Forest Council is to be held on Tuesday, Feb 7 at 6pm.

To find out the full story watch this video.

(Video by Ruth Edwards and Daniel O’Donnell)

To view the planning application click here.