The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 14 October 2024, approving two significant planning applications. The committee unanimously approved a minor material amendment to the Abbey Retail Park development, which will increase affordable housing provision and enhance fire safety measures. They also unanimously approved the Sub Framework Plan for Station Quarter at Barking Riverside, a crucial step in the ongoing regeneration of the area.

Abbey Retail Park, Abbey Road, Barking

The committee unanimously approved a Section 73 application for minor material amendments at the Abbey Retail Park in Barking. The application, submitted by Weston Homes Plc, sought to vary approved drawings and amend conditions related to car parking and development particulars for phases three and four of the development.

The primary driver for the amendments was to incorporate additional staircases into buildings over 18 metres in height, in line with updated fire safety guidance following the Grenfell tragedy. This necessitated an increase in building heights and internal alterations, leading to a loss of gross internal area. To compensate for this loss and maintain the scheme's viability, the applicant proposed adding 51 new residential flats. Crucially, all these additional flats will be provided as Discounted Market Sale (DMS) units, increasing the overall affordable housing provision on the site from 35% to 38% by habitable room.

The proposal also included the removal of the ground floor car park below certain blocks, with blue badge bays relocated to the south of the site. This change, along with other internal alterations, would result in a reduction of 23 car parking spaces across the wider development, though all blue badge bays would be retained and one additional bay provided.

Mr Paul Scott, representing the Barking and Dagenham Heritage Conservation Group, objected to the application on grounds of increased light pollution, fire safety risks due to the increased height, and potential adverse effects on local heritage sites, including Barking Abbey Green and St Margaret's Church.

However, officers noted that Historic England had raised no objections regarding heritage impacts, and the proposed changes were considered to align with the design principles of the previously consented scheme. The committee was informed that the Greater London Authority (GLA) had raised no concerns with the approach.

The committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth to grant planning permission, subject to amended heads of terms for the legal agreement and specified conditions.

Station Quarter, Barking Riverside Development Site, River Road, Barking

The committee unanimously approved the Sub Framework Plan (SFP) for Station Quarter at Barking Riverside, a key component of the wider regeneration project. The application, from Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), sought approval of details relating to the SFP and the partial discharge of several planning conditions.

The SFP outlines plans for up to 1,000 homes, 2,000 square metres of retail and commercial space, and 6,800 square metres of health, leisure, and community uses. It also includes a design code to guide future development. The proposal aligns with the extant outline planning consent for Barking Riverside, which was originally granted in 2018.

Matthew Carpin, Managing Director of Barking Riverside Limited, highlighted the significant progress on the development, noting the completion of approximately 560 homes in the past year and a further 700 under construction. He also mentioned a recent board approval for an additional 600-plus units. Mr Carpin emphasised that this SFP application was crucial for BRL to continue land disposals to partners in a challenging market, particularly for affordable housing. He stated that BRL was working with the GLA and other partners to ensure the viability of affordable housing delivery, with L&Q having priority for affordable housing elements.

Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, thanked BRL for their consultation efforts and noted the provision of approximately 50 social rent properties within this phase, which would help reduce the housing waiting list.

The committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority to the Director of Inclusive Growth to approve the SFP and specified planning conditions for Station Quarter.

The meeting concluded at 7:37 pm.