The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council met on Thursday 9 July 2026 to discuss planning applications. The committee considered the redevelopment of the Jewson builders' merchants site in Romford, subject to conditions.

Jewson Redevelopment Considered

The committee considered a planning application for the redevelopment of the Jewson builders' merchants at 307-309 South Street, Romford¹. The proposal involves the demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of a new, larger builders' merchants branch, including expanded external storage and a one-way system for customer collections.

The application was called in by a former ward councillor due to concerns about overlooking and noise pollution for residents on Dymoke Road. While the proposed building will be taller and larger than the existing structure, increasing from 7.2 metres to 10.2 metres at its highest point, officers deemed it broadly contextual within the surrounding Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS). The new building will be situated approximately 20 metres from the nearest residential properties on Dymoke Road, with a slight increase in separation distance compared to the current building.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the loss of trees along the northern boundary. Although nine trees will be removed, the scheme includes the planting of 19 new trees along the northern boundary and 12 along the southern boundary, with the intention of providing an instant impact through the use of heavy standard trees. One councillor questioned whether more mature trees could be planted to provide screening sooner, but the case officer advised that younger trees are more likely to survive and establish successfully.

The proposal was recommended for approval by officers, subject to conditions. These conditions include controls on noise, hours of use and deliveries, the installation of an acoustic fence along the northern boundary, and the implementation of noise mitigation measures. The committee voted to approve the application with these conditions.