The Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss a development presentation for the proposed redevelopment of the former Homebase site on Davidson Way in Romford. The proposal includes demolishing the existing building and constructing a residential-led development with commercial spaces, a primary school, and a public park. No decisions were made at this stage.

Former Homebase Redevelopment

The committee reviewed a proposal from Barrett London for the redevelopment of the former Homebase site on Davidson Way. The plan includes:

• Demolishing the existing building
• Constructing approximately 600 homes
• Adding 400 square metres of commercial space
• Building a new public park
• Partnering with the adjacent Seedbed Centre to create a new primary school

The development aims to create a sustainable location with strong connections to the surrounding areas, including the Bridge Close and Ice Rink sites.

Design and Layout

The proposed design features three courtyard blocks, ranging from 6 to 16 storeys in height, arranged around a new public park and primary school. The tallest block is planned for the north-west corner of the site. The development intends to be car-free, with only a limited number of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces.

Housing Mix and Affordable Housing

The unit mix is planned to be 40% one-bedroom, 45% two-bedroom, and 15% three-bedroom units. The developers are targeting 20% affordable housing, to be offered as social rent¹ tenures.

Public Engagement

Martin Scholar, Head of Planning at Barrett London, stated that public engagement events were scheduled to begin shortly, including an event on Tuesday, 23 September, and a market stall on the following Saturday.

Councillor Judith Holt's Concerns

Councillor Judith Holt, ward councillor for St Albans, expressed concerns about the potential overdevelopment of Romford, the lack of social housing, and the car-free nature of the development. She did, however, welcome the inclusion of a park and improvements to the River Rom.

Committee Questions and Concerns

Committee members raised a number of issues and questions regarding the proposed development:

• Parking: Several councillors questioned the lack of parking, given Havering's high car ownership rates. They also asked about drop-off facilities for the commercial spaces and disabled parking provision.
• Infrastructure: Councillors raised concerns about the capacity of the existing sewage system and the potential for contamination from previous landfill use.
• School Delivery: Questions were raised about the certainty of the new primary school being delivered, given the involvement of multiple parties and the need for Department for Education approval.
• Housing Mix: Several councillors expressed disappointment at the lack of family-sized homes and the limited provision for senior living.
• Height and Design: Concerns were raised about the height of the 16-storey block and its contextual appropriateness.
• River Rom Protection: Councillors sought assurances that the River Rom would be protected from anti-social behaviour and pollution during construction.
• Air Ambulance Flight Path: A councillor asked whether the height of the buildings had taken into consideration the flight path of the air ambulance serving Queen's Hospital.

Developer Responses

The development team addressed the committee's concerns:

• They stated that a sewage capacity assessment would be undertaken.
• They explained that the Environment Agency would be consulted regarding the River Rom naturalisation plans.
• They confirmed that bulk storage for residents would be included in the design.
• They stated that they would engage with Queen's Hospital to explore potential medical provision within the commercial space.
• They confirmed that an archaeological study would be undertaken and the results shared with the Havering Museum.
• They noted the concerns about building height and committed to considering the air ambulance flight path.

Summary of Committee Views

Ellen Ockleby, Director of Planning Public Protection, summarised the key points raised by the committee, including concerns about the River Rom, the proposed new park, commercial floor space, parking provision, the new school, infrastructure, general design issues and the archaeological study.