In an increasingly crowded city, the Upper Lee Valley provides London with one of its greatest opportunities. The London Boroughs of Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest are united in a vision for the valley – a radical vision of growth and renewal: ’North London’s Waterside’ – a place to start, stay and grow.

The three boroughs welcome far-sighted developers who are willing to invest in this vision and work in a long term partnership with us to deliver the change and quality needed. We are already working closely with the Mayor of London and central government, to make sure this is a joined-up approach, which is receptive to investment and can deliver change and growth. Building on the legacy of the Olympics, we need public sector investment to support the growth envisaged, helping to deliver the schools and health centres needed for the growth of the Upper Lee Valley.

With the London Development Agency and others, we have already started to quantify this investment and make the case for its timely delivery. We have high aspirations for our area and its communities – both new and existing. We look forward to working with you to deliver these aspirations.

The Boroughs of Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest have joined together to develop a vision for the Upper Lee Valley, taking advantage of its strategic location and the waterways running down the Lee Valley. In the London Plan I identify the Upper Lee Valley as an Opportunity Area because it is well placed to deliver local, regional and national priorities in terms of new housing and employment.

I am pleased to support this vision for the Upper Lee Valley and work to attract investment to the area, investment to deliver quality homes and jobs for this important part of London.

The renewal of the Upper Lee Valley will be another tangible legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, building on the momentum the Games are generating as a catalyst for growth in North London.

I will be publishing an Opportunity Area Planning Framework for the Upper Lee Valley early in 2008, setting out a more detailed programme for change in the Upper Lee Valley. The Framework will be delivered in partnership with the Boroughs of Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest.