The Planning Committee of Havering Council met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included discussions on new housing developments, the conversion of a hotel into residential units, and alterations to existing properties.

Applications for Decision

The committee was scheduled to consider several applications for planning permission.

17 & 17A Essex Road and Land to the Rear of 13, 15 & 17 Essex Road, Romford, RM7 8BE

This application proposed the demolition of 17 & 17A Essex Road and associated outbuildings, with the erection of eight new residential units. The development included a mix of houses and flats, along with associated access, parking, and landscaping. The report pack indicated that the proposal was intended to contribute to the borough's housing supply, with officers noting that the council was unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, engaging the presumption in favour of sustainable development as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The report pack detailed proposed amendments to the development, including changes to the number and type of residential units, and revisions to parking and highway arrangements. Conditions were recommended to ensure satisfactory external appearance, privacy, and the implementation of a car parking management scheme.

Manor Hotel, Berwick Pond Road, Rainham & Wennington

This item involved two applications: a change of use from a hotel (C1) to residential dwellings (C3) for eight flats, and the reconstruction of the existing coach house to create a five-bedroom detached dwelling. Listed building consent was also sought for alterations to the Grade II listed Manor Hotel. The report pack highlighted that the proposals aimed to preserve the character and setting of the listed building and would not conflict with Green Belt policy, noting a net reduction in built form and opportunities for landscaping. The applications were linked, with the residential conversion requiring alterations to the listed building. Previous applications for this site had been refused, with an appeal inspector finding that while there was harm to the listed building, it was less than substantial, and that the impact on the Green Belt would be negligible. The current proposals were presented as having addressed previous heritage and design concerns.

15 Ernest Road, Hornchurch, Emerson Park

This application sought part-retrospective planning permission for a two-storey, six-bedroom detached dwelling with associated parking and amenity space, following the demolition of the existing dwelling. The report pack noted that a previous householder application for extensions to the existing dwelling had been granted, but that this current application sought permission for a replacement dwelling. An ongoing enforcement investigation was mentioned regarding a breach of a condition on the previous permission. The report pack indicated that the proposed dwelling would be acceptable from a design standpoint, would not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding street scene or neighbouring amenity, and would not adversely affect the highway or parking. Conditions were recommended to control external materials, obscure glazing for privacy, and to ensure the implementation of landscaping and electric vehicle charging facilities.

209 Alma Avenue, Hornchurch, RM12 6BJ

This application proposed the construction of a three-bedroom end-terrace dwelling with parking and amenities, including vehicular access to the front. The report pack stated that the application would contribute to the borough's housing stock and would not raise issues regarding design, visual appearance, neighbouring amenity, or highway functioning. Previous applications for this site had been refused, primarily due to parking arrangements and highway safety concerns. The current proposal aimed to address these issues by utilising existing crossovers and extending one to provide parking. The report pack indicated that the Highway Authority had raised no objection to the current application. Conditions were recommended to cover external materials, cycle and refuse storage, and the provision of electric vehicle charging facilities.

Supplementary Agenda Items

A supplementary agenda was also provided, which included a general update for all reports.

General Update – All Reports

This update informed the committee about the publication of revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17 August 2026. It stated that while the NPPF had been published after the agenda was prepared, the assessments within the committee reports were considered consistent with the updated NPPF and did not alter the conclusions or recommendations. Specific corrections and additions to the reports for Item 6 (17 & 17A Essex Road) and Item 8 (15 Ernest Road) were detailed, including amendments to proposed development descriptions, housing mix tables, and conditions related to privacy screens, parking management, and accessible dwellings. Additional representations for Item 9 (209 Alma Avenue) were also noted, raising concerns over vehicle and highway safety, loss of light, and privacy.