The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 16 October 2023 to discuss plans for Barking Riverside. The committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth for the Sub-Framework Plan for Stage 2 South Boulevard, which will allow for the construction of up to 2,450 new homes and commercial space. They also resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority for the updated Section 106 legal strategies for the development, which govern various aspects of its delivery.

Barking Riverside, Stage 2 South Boulevard - Sub Framework Plan and Discharge of Conditions

The committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority for the Sub-Framework Plan (SFP) for Stage 2 South Boulevard at Barking Riverside. This significant development will allow for up to 2,450 new homes and 400 square metres of non-residential floor space. This approval also discharges several planning conditions related to phasing, flood defence buffer zones, nature conservation, landscaping, temporary pedestrian and cycle routes, and the design code.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by Mr Andrew Boff, a local resident, regarding the protection of Footpath 47, which runs adjacent to the development site. Mr Boff highlighted that the footpath is a site of metropolitan importance for nature conservation and expressed concern that engineering works for the development might temporarily divert or compromise access, despite assurances from Barking Riverside Limited (BRL) and council officers that the footpath lies outside the redline boundary of the application. He also raised concerns about potential leaching of construction waste and the lack of recognition for the closure of a warehouse on Thames Road in the open space strategy.

Matthew Carpin, representing BRL, acknowledged the importance of Footpath 47 and committed to its protection as part of the wider development. He explained that while engineering works might be necessary, they would be part of a future strategic infrastructure scheme application.

Councillors also discussed the provision of affordable housing, with a commitment to 35% affordable housing, including shared ownership, London Living Rent, and affordable rent tenures. Mr Carpin stated that BRL aims to provide a diverse range of housing products and that while the property market fluctuates, the uptake of shared ownership properties has been positive.

Concerns were also raised about the amount of commercial floor space and the provision of social infrastructure, such as health facilities, for the projected increase of up to 10,000 new residents. BRL acknowledged that the viability of commercial space and social infrastructure can be challenging in the early stages of development due to lower footfall. They are currently providing funding for pop-up facilities and plan to locate the majority of commercial space around the new station. The development of a Health and Leisure Hub remains a priority, with BRL working with the Council and the NHS, and temporary GP pop-up facilities are currently in operation.

The committee heard that the next sub-framework plan, expected in December 2023, will focus on the station area and include a broader strategy for commercial space provision. The committee was assured that BRL is committed to delivering the Health and Leisure Hub, despite potential budget challenges.

The committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority for the approval of the Sub-Framework Plan and the discharge of specified planning conditions to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth.

Barking Riverside, Stage 2 South Boulevard - Section 106 Strategies

Following the resolution to approve the Sub-Framework Plan, the committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority for the revised Section 106 (S106) legal strategies for Barking Riverside. These strategies update existing agreements and govern various aspects of the development, including housing, transport, parking, retail, health, placemaking, open space, energy, employment, waste, and transport monitoring.

The updated Housing Strategy confirms BRL's commitment to delivering affordable housing, often exceeding the minimum requirements, and acknowledges the development's financial deficit while continuing to aim for a high level of affordable provision. The Build to Rent Strategy for Plot DC3B was also approved, aligning with London Plan policies and offering long leases and clear upfront fees for future tenants.

The Transport Strategy was amended to allow for future exploration and testing of opening the Boulevard to servicing vehicles, in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL), rather than an immediate agreement. The Car Parking Strategy has been updated to reflect changes in policy, improved public transport provision, and reduced car ownership, promoting a modal shift towards sustainable travel. The Travel Plan was also updated to clarify roles and responsibilities for the travel plan coordinator and stakeholders.

The Retail and Non-Residential Use Strategy aims to meet the community's needs in the short term and build a platform for the long-term development of the district centre, maintaining flexibility to adapt to market conditions. The Health Strategy reaffirms the commitment to delivering a Health and Leisure Hub and outlines interim measures to promote positive health outcomes. The Placemaking Strategy will continue to focus on building a sense of community through events and initiatives, adapting to the current economic climate. The Open Space and Recreation Strategy remains unchanged, with progress reported annually.

The Energy Strategy has been updated to explore secondary heat recovery from an Energy from Waste plant at Dagenham Dock, aiming to achieve carbon reductions in line with Building Regulations Part L 2021. The Employment, Skills and Training Strategy will continue to be delivered through collaboration and joint working, with BRL introducing a quarterly Employment & Skills Forum. The Waste Strategy incorporates the ENVAC system for residential waste, aiming for high recycling rates, and the Transport Monitoring Report has been updated to reflect changes in travel habits and data.

The committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority for the approval of the revised Section 106 Legal Strategies to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth.