The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council met on Thursday 25 January 2024, granting planning permission for two significant development proposals. The committee approved the redevelopment and expansion of Veolia Ltd's recycling facility on Coldharbour Lane and the redevelopment of the Rainham Marshes Silt Lagoons for waste processing and aggregate production.

Veolia Ltd - Coldharbour Lane

The committee granted planning permission for the continued operation, redevelopment, and expansion of Veolia ES (UK) Ltd's Plastics Recycling/Recovery Facility and Materials Recycling Facility on Coldharbour Lane. The proposal involves consolidating the existing facilities into a single, larger building of approximately 11,000 sqm, with an increased input tonnage of up to 200,000 tonnes per annum. The decision was made unanimously by the committee.

Arguments for the proposal centred on its alignment with the Havering Local Plan's economic and environmental sustainability objectives, the improved visual amenity of the site, and the lack of material adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity or the environment from the existing operations. Officers noted that the site is within a Strategic Industrial Location and that the expansion would support the borough's waste management strategy and sustainability goals.

The decision was subject to conditions including a legal agreement for planning obligations, a conservation park/wildlife contribution, a travel plan, a carbon offset fund, and legal costs. A deed of variation to the existing S106 agreement was also required to remove the MRF/PRF site from previous obligations. Additional clauses were added regarding the use of a future Ferry Lane Link Road, and the maintenance and improvement of Coldharbour Lane.

Rainham Marshes, Silt Lagoons, Coldharbour Lane

Planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of 8.5 hectares of partially filled salt lagoons at Rainham Marshes Silt Lagoons, Coldharbour Lane for waste excavation, treatment, and aggregate production. The development includes a washing and screening plant, a crushing plant, and materials storage, with an anticipated throughput of up to 750,000 tonnes per annum. This decision was also carried unanimously by the committee.

The proposal was supported on the grounds that it moves waste up the waste hierarchy, contributing to the circular economy and optimising the use of the site for waste management prior to its restoration. Officers highlighted that the development would not have undue impact on the visual character of the area and that the proposed conditions and Section 106 agreement would mitigate any unacceptable impacts.

The permission is temporary, limited to the duration of the restoration works, and requires the eventual removal of the plant and stockpiles, with the site reinstated according to the approved restoration scheme. Conditions included a long-term Landscape and Ecology Management Plan, restrictions on peak hour HGV movements, and a limit on processing plant operating hours. A Section 106 agreement was also required, covering highways improvements for active transport, travel plans, and legal costs.

Chippenham Road Development

The committee noted a report on the proposed development at Chippenham Road, which is a council-led scheme for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of three blocks to provide 117 affordable homes and 21 homes for young people. While this was a pre-application presentation and no decision was made, members raised several points for consideration as the proposal moves forward.

Concerns were expressed regarding the lack of architectural merit in the early designs, the adequacy of parking provision, and the potential for delivery and refuse vehicles to park on the street. Members also raised questions about the supervision of young people in the supported living units and the cost-effectiveness of the proposed district heating scheme. The developer responded that more 3-bedroom and two 4-bedroom homes had been added, and that a transport assessment and parking management plan would be included. Further comments were requested to be sent to planning officers.