The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss three significant development proposals in Romford. The committee considered plans for a new residential-led neighbourhood at the former Homebase site, a mixed-use development at Crowlands Golf Centre, and the redevelopment of the former Debenhams building into a residential and hotel complex.

Former Homebase, Davidson Way, Romford

The committee discussed proposals for the demolition of the former Homebase building and the creation of a new residential-led neighbourhood comprising 584 homes, approximately 200 square metres of commercial floor space, a new public park, and land for a new primary school. The case officer, Andrew Thornley, explained that the scheme had evolved significantly since its previous presentation due to the need to avoid a large sewage pipe running through the site. This constraint had led to positive amendments, including an enhanced public realm and a larger public park. The tallest buildings are proposed at 16 storeys, with others ranging from 4 to 14 storeys. The applicant's representative, Kieran Weaver, highlighted that the scheme aims to deliver 20% affordable housing, with 60% at social rent and 40% as discount market sale.

Members raised concerns about flood risk mitigation, with the case officer confirming that a flood risk assessment was underway and that building levels would be slightly raised. The accuracy of the report stating the majority of the site was not in a flood zone was questioned. The provision of a school was discussed, with confirmation that land would be set aside and secured through a Section 106 agreement. Parking was a significant concern, with members questioning the limited provision and the adequacy of disabled parking bays. The affordability of housing was also raised, with a question as to why the affordable housing offer was only at the minimum. The potential for informal parking on streets was suggested as a way to mitigate parking pressure. Connectivity was another key point, with a desire for improved links over the River Rom and to the hospital. The height of the 16-storey buildings was questioned in relation to policy expectations, and a request was made to see details of internal apartment layouts. The case officer, Simon Thirlwell, summarised the points raised, including the need to stress flood risk mitigation, the delivery of the school, parking concerns, the welcome for affordable housing but a desire for it to be increased, the welcome for the increased park area, a question about an entrance feature, and a lack of connectivity.

Crowlands Golf Centre, Crow Lane

The committee received a presentation on proposals for the redevelopment of Crowlands Golf Centre to provide up to 1,300 homes, with a focus on 100% affordable housing. Neil Goethe, Street Application Team Leader, explained that the site is designated Green Belt and part of it is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. The applicant's representative, Mark Pennick, described the proposal as a Greybelt site, arguing it was an uneconomical golf course on an unregulated landfill site that would be replaced with parkland, sports facilities, and homes. The scheme proposes 60% social rent and 40% key worker housing, along with new sports facilities, public parks, and bus routes.

Councillor Vidi Pesu voiced strong objections, citing overwhelming resident opposition to building on the Green Belt and the potential precedent it would set. Concerns were raised about the strain on existing infrastructure, including Queen's Hospital, GP surgeries, and schools, and the environmental impact of removing green space. Councillor Jane Keane questioned whether the site was Green Belt or Grey Belt, and requested clarification on the ongoing landfill investigations. The case officer, Raphael Adenegan, confirmed the site is designated Green Belt, but the applicant asserts it is Grey Belt, a distinction that impacts planning policy. The committee discussed the housing mix, with a particular need for four-bedroom homes highlighted. The management of the site, which straddles two boroughs, was also a point of discussion, with the applicant stating a single management company would oversee the entire development. Councillor Keane also raised concerns about the proximity of new developments to existing residents and the adequacy of parking. The case officer, Simon Thirlwell, summarised the key points, including the need for clarity on Green Belt vs. Grey Belt status, concerns about land contamination, the need for four-bedroom dwellings, the management of spaces between boroughs, the proximity of development to boundaries, parking quantum, biodiversity, infrastructure capacity, vehicle access, and rent levels for social housing.

Former Debenhams, 56-72 Market Place, Romford

The committee reviewed proposals for the demolition of the former Debenhams building and its redevelopment into a residential-led scheme of 155 homes, a 118-bedroom hotel, and ground-floor commercial units. Andrew Thornley, the case officer, noted that the site is within the Romford Conservation Area and near listed buildings. The proposal includes two residential blocks of 12 and 14 storeys at the southern end of the site, and a six-storey hotel block facing Market Place. The scheme seeks to provide 20% affordable housing.

Members expressed concerns that the proposals did not align with the Romford Master Plan vision for the marketplace, lacking a civic nod and appearing bulky. Questions were raised about disabled parking provision and the lack of parking for the hotel, with a discussion on the Mayor of London's stance on hotel parking in town centres. The materials and human scale of the ground floor were also discussed, with a request for a warmer palette and more human-scale shop fronts. The case officer, Simon Thirlwell, summarised the points, including concerns about the proposals' alignment with the master plan, the lack of civic character, the height and bulk of rear buildings, the amount of disabled parking, the absence of hotel parking, and the materials and human scale of the ground floor.