(if any) - receive.

An apology was received for the absence of Councillor Timothy Ryan, Councillor David Taylor substituting.

Members are invited to disclose any interest in any of the items on the agenda at this point in the meeting.

Members may still disclose any interest in an item at any time prior to the consideration of the matter.

Councillor Jane Keane disclosed a Non-Pecuniary Interest - by virtue of being a board member of the Havering Museum.

To approve as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 11 September 2025 and to authorise the Chair to sign them.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 September 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Report attached.

The Committee received a presentation on the proposed redevelopment of the Liberty Shopping Centre and surrounding buildings. The scheme involves partial demolition and comprehensive redevelopment to deliver a residential-led, mixed-use development comprising approximately 700 new homes. Full planning permission is sought for Plot 1, with outline consent for the remaining plots to be delivered in phases over several years. Plot 1 has evolved through pre-application discussions and Quality Review Panel feedback, changing from three separate towers of 16–20 storeys to a single 25-storey building flanked by two wings of 10–11 storeys. The proposal includes new public realm created by removing the roof over parts of the shopping centre, with ground-floor retail and commercial units facing onto these areas to maintain a town centre character. A flagship retail unit is proposed on the Western Road corner.

Plots 2 and 3, fronting Market Place, will feature lower-rise buildings (5–6 storeys) with taller elements behind (10–14 storeys). These plots aim to create a food and beverage hub along Swan Walk to support the evening economy. The applicant is in discussions with the owner of the former Debenhams store to coordinate development and is considering incorporating Mercury House into the scheme, subject to acquisition. The redundant car park roof will be repurposed as “Makers Place,” a creative hub for start-ups, adding vibrancy to the town centre.

Members raised several points during discussion. Concerns included the policy basis for the proposed 25-storey building, its impact on Romford’s character, and microclimatic effects such as wind. Clarification was sought on which parts of the roof would be removed and how architectural variation would be achieved along Market Place to avoid uniformity. Questions were asked about fire safety, lift reliability, and provision of multiple exits for tall buildings. Members expressed differing views on car parking, with some highlighting the need to retain spaces for visitors and others noting London Plan restrictions and evidence of oversupply. The applicant confirmed that public parking provision will remain unchanged, with only derelict or non-public areas affected.

Further discussion focused on affordable housing, rental levels, and service charges, with members stressing the need for homes to be genuinely affordable for local residents. Requests were made for details on unit mix, phasing, and measures to minimise disruption to businesses during construction. Members also asked about community facilities such as health services and prayer rooms, and raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, security, and weather protection in open spaces. The applicant confirmed engagement with police and counter-terrorism officers and outlined design measures to improve safety and surveillance. Microclimate testing and wind mitigation will form part of the planning submission.

Members welcomed the intention to support independent retailers and local food businesses, alongside national brands, and encouraged discounted rents for start-ups. The Committee noted the importance of lessons learned from other developments and requested reassurance that these will inform design. There was general support for revitalising the town centre, but members emphasised the need for clarity on phasing, architectural quality, and integration of services.

The following considerations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

Report attached

The Committee received a presentation on a proposed development at the YMCA Rush Green site. The scheme involves constructing a six-storey building comprising 184 supported accommodation units, with shared living, dining, and kitchen areas, an on-site laundry, and flexible ground-floor spaces for residents and public use. The new building will form part of the wider YMCA campus, which currently provides 148 supported housing units and 61 move-on flats alongside a gym, nursery, and café. It was stated that existing residents will decant into the new development, and the current tower will be refurbished at a later stage, subject to a future planning application.

The applicant explained that the existing accommodation is outdated and does not meet modern standards. The YMCA has been a key community facility for over 100 years, hosting numerous local organisations and services. However, the current building is in poor condition, with inadequate facilities such as shared bathrooms and limited kitchen access. The proposed development aims to provide high-quality accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness, with improved amenities and communal spaces.

The presentation outlined the design approach, including flood mitigation measures, landscaping, and ecological enhancements. The scheme seeks to naturalise part of the River Rom edge and provide green spaces, courtyards, and communal areas. The building will activate the Rush Green Road frontage and include sustainable features such as PV panels and energy-efficient materials. Public consultation has informed design changes, including setbacks to retain existing trees and improved accessibility.

The Committee raised questions about the impact on existing residents during construction, protection of Rush Green Road residents, and the viability of naturalising the river. Concerns were expressed about courtyard size, overlooking, and ensuring the relationship with Grenfell Park is maximised.

Members also queried flood management strategies and how the proposed creek would avoid becoming stagnant water. The applicant confirmed that construction would not involve demolition of the existing building at this stage and that detailed management plans would address contamination risks and protect ecological buffers.

The Committee welcomed the proposal, noting the pressing need for supported accommodation in the borough and the improved space standards. Members emphasised the importance of delivering the naturalisation works and maintaining community access to facilities during construction.

The following considerations were summarised as the points raised by the Committee at the meeting:

•        Clarification requested on what happens to the existing accommodation and café facilities during construction, and how these will be affected.

•        How residents on Rush Green Road will be protected during construction.

•        General welcome for the proposal, noting the space is much needed in the borough and adjoining areas.

•           Positive feedback on the standard of accommodation proposed.

•        Concerns raised about courtyard size and function, and how these spaces will work for residents.

•        Question on how the scheme will improve the relationship with Grenfell Park, which should be seen as an asset for residents.

•          Clarification sought on the role of the SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) and how the development contributes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

Report attached

The Committee received a presentation on the proposed redevelopment of the former ATIK Nightclub site. The scheme involves the complete demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new development ranging from six storeys on South Street to nine storeys in the north-west corner, with two intermediate eight-storey sections. The proposal comprises 285 co-living units designed for single-person households, offering private rooms with kitchenettes and bathrooms alongside shared facilities such as co-working spaces, lounges, a gym, and a concierge service. The ground floor will include active frontages, a café, and community spaces, with external amenity areas provided on roof terraces at various levels. The development will be car-free, except for one wheelchair-accessible parking space, and will provide extensive cycle storage.

The applicant explained the rationale for co-living, highlighting demand among young professionals and single households, and the lack of professionally managed shared accommodation in the borough. The design aims to activate Havana Close and the Battis, creating a new public square and improving connectivity. Engagement with local stakeholders and public consultation has informed the design, which includes measures to integrate the scheme into the community, such as partnerships with local charities and provision of co-working spaces accessible to residents and the public.

The Committee raised several points during discussion. Concerns included the future location of delivery bikes currently on site, the viability and usage of proposed co-working spaces, and the need to reflect the site’s cultural and social history, given its iconic status as a former nightclub. Members suggested engagement with the Havering Arts and Culture Strategy and local museum to preserve heritage through design and interpretation. Questions were asked about room sizes, accessibility for disabled residents, and evacuation procedures. The applicant confirmed that 10% of units will be wheelchair-accessible, with level access, lifts, and compliant layouts, and that a management plan will address security and concierge provision.

Further issues discussed included community safety, integration of residents into the town centre, and the importance of robust security measures, including controlled access and surveillance. Members emphasised the need for soundproofing due to proximity to the railway and requested details on Network Rail engagement and construction safety. The applicant confirmed that noise and vibration assessments will form part of the submission and that agreements with Network Rail will be secured. The Committee also noted the importance of ensuring the development contributes positively to the town centre rather than functioning solely as a dormitory building.

The following considerations were summarised as the points raised by the Committee at the meeting:

•        Concern about future location of delivery bikes and how this will be accommodated going forward.

•        Request for assurance on the use and effectiveness of proposed co-working spaces.

•        Strong plea to acknowledge and incorporate the site’s historical and cultural significance, including its iconic corner and social heritage.

•        Emphasis that the building and its residents should contribute to the town centre, not function solely as a dormitory block.

•        Concern regarding room sizes, with a request for detailed information on dimensions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.