Agenda item

The report before Members detailed a cross boundary hybrid application (part outline, part detailed) for a total of 2,900 dwellings within Havering and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham on a site of total area of 31.54 ha.  Within Havering the application proposed the erection of 733 dwellings comprising 137 houses and 596 apartments on land known as Beam Park to the east and west of Marsh Way, south of the A1306. Phase 1 of the development would deliver 536 dwellings, a new local centre based around a new railway station, up to 4,110 sq.m of other support uses including commercial floorspace and a 1,500 sqm health centre and community facilities. Phase 1 would also provide the site for a new 3 form of entry primary school with communal sports facilities plus extensive areas of open space and landscaping including a new park either side of the River Beam and a linear parkway along New Road.

With its agreement Councillors Michael Deon Burton and David Durant addressed the Committee.

Councillor Burton commented that as things stood there was currently no school provider in place and the station did not exist. Councillor Burton also commented that Councillors sitting on the Rainham, Wennington and South Hornchurch Working Party had been promised a garden suburb during consultations with the developers however the proposed development was more of a flatted high density development. Councillor Burton concluded that the proposed blocks were taller than had been promised, was an overdevelopment of the site and was not fit for purpose.

Councillor Durant commented that the proposal was a contradiction to the Local Plan and that no consideration had been given to the possibility of the Rainham to Belvedere river crossing that may be introduced in the future. Councillor Durant also commented that the Council needed to approach the  Mayor for London’s office to determine to ascertain which of the river crossing options were to be taken forward as there would be increased traffic and greater air pollution to future residents if the Rainham to Belvedere option was chosen.

During the debate Members sought and received clarification on a number of points within the report including nomination rights, parking provision and future medical provision.

The report recommended that planning permission be approved however following a motion to defer consideration of the report it was RESOLVED that consideration be deferred to allow officers to look at/discuss with the applicant:

School provision: the committee were concerned that new provision would not be enough to meet the needs of the development alongside other committed development within the area. Further detail needed.

Height: didn't meet the Rainham and Beam Park Planning Framework. Could it be reduced?

Affordable housing: clarity on nomination rights and tenure

Health facility: CCG had allegedly said that the facility would only be available to Havering residents. Need to check this along with what facilities would be available for LBBD residents if the facility was only for Havering residents.

Parking: could this be increased?

The vote for the resolution to defer consideration of the report was carried by 6 votes to 5.

Councillors Hawthorn, Nunn, Whitney, Kelly, Martin and Williamson voted for the motion to defer.

Councillors Misir, Wallace, Crowder, Westwood and Donald voted against the motion to defer.