(if any) - receive.

Apologies were received for the absence of Councillor John Crowder and Councillor Jane Keane. +Councillor Matt Stanton substituted for Councillor Keane.

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.

There were no interest disclosure at the meeting.

To approve as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 November 2025 and to authorise the Chair to sign them.

Members agreed for the Chairman to sign the minutes of the meetings held on 13 November 2025 and 23 October 2025.

Report attached.

At the request of the Committee, the Developer Team presented in response to the concerns raised at an earlier developer presentation in respect of the following matters:

Transport and Movement

•              Number of attendees and comparison with existing

•              Times of day and days of the week

•              Where do Mosque users live (confirm that this is a local facility)

•              Confirm arrival/leaving patterns of movement and how these can be accommodated within the building / overall site / surrounding highway

•              Existing pedestrian crossing / junction (South Street, Oldchurch Road and Thurloe Gardens) capacity / waiting times

•              Drop off / pick up numbers and capacity of space in Oldchurch Rise car park

•              Impact on ring road (potential for queuing vehicles)

Building Design

•           Mosaic tiles (colour)

•           Prominence of the Portico

•           Scale of the Riverside entrance

•           Parity of space for men/women

As set out in the Committee rules, the Developer Team was given 20 minutes to present the scheme.

The Developer Team provided an overview of the proposed mosque development at South Street, including findings from travel surveys and pedestrian modelling. It was noted that most worshippers currently use nearby car parks, with only 7% parking on-street (primarily Blue Badge holders). The new mosque will include eight on-site Blue Badge spaces and contribute towards a signalised pedestrian crossing on Old Church Road to improve safety. Pedestrian modelling indicated acceptable comfort levels during peak Friday prayers, and management plans will address visitor and vehicle movements.

It was stated that the proposal is supported by local and London Plan policies and offers strong public transport accessibility.

A Member of the Council Councillor David Taylor also addressed the Committee on the development presentation. Councillor David Taylor commended the design quality, sustainability, and extensive community engagement. He highlighted the building’s architectural merit, its contribution to town centre regeneration, and excellent public transport links.

Members welcomed the detailed travel plan but raised concerns about pedestrian safety, drop-off arrangements, and managing large numbers during peak times. Questions were asked about parking provision compared to other mosques, including Cambridge, and whether traffic light-controlled crossings could be considered.

The Committee noted that there were unlikely to be significant developments requiring further scrutiny at this stage. However, it was acknowledged that the level of detailed information provided on pedestrian and vehicle movements was exceptional. Members expressed appreciation to the applicant for the effort made to demonstrate the potential impact on the community, noting that the submission clearly reflected consideration for local needs.

One Member commented that given the proximity to residential properties, they were reassured by the information provided and confident that the proposal would not be detrimental to the surrounding area. The Member further stated that places of worship should be beautiful buildings, designed to convey reverence, and that the plans presented achieved this aim. The architectural designs were described as remarkable and unlike anything currently under consideration. While there had been some discussion regarding the heritage of the existing building, it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Report attached.

The report before Members detailed an application that sought planning permission for the erection of a part single, part two storey building with a total floor area of 6339m2 (GIA) to provide a new 38 classroom Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school for both primary and secondary students with associated access and car parking, informal and formal play space, hard multipurpose games pitch (MUGA), hard and soft landscaping.

The school will have a capacity for 300 pupils aged 4-19 years (Key Stage 1 to 5), students with complex learning needs serving children from Havering’s local community, and 218 members of staff would be employed on the site to support its operation.

The school would provide a special educational school for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH) difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and severe learning difficulties; it will help meet a pressing need for additional SEN school places in the Borough and will help ensure students are taught in specialist, purpose-built buildings specifically suited to their particular learning needs.

The proposed school building would be sited on an existing open green field. It would be a part single, part two storey building with a broadly U- footprint designed as a series of interconnected wings arranged logically to meet the needs of the different year groups. The layout groups Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16 pupils into distinct zones.

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements, the Committee was addressed by an objector with a response by the applicant’s agent.

With its agreement, Councillor Keith Prince addressed the committee, expressing strong concerns about the lack of engagement with ward councillors and residents, stating that issues raised had been ignored and the process felt rushed. He highlighted residents’ objections regarding the Council acting as applicant, planning authority and adjudicator, questioning fairness and transparency. Councillor Prince raised serious concerns about traffic safety, noting the potential risks posed by 250 daily vehicle movements near local schools and commuter routes and argued that proposed traffic management measures were inadequate. He also stressed that the application still had seven outstanding conditions identified by the Mayor of London and would require GLA approval even if passed by the committee. Councillor Prince urged the Committee to defer the decision until these issues were resolved and further consultation undertaken, given significant changes since the original proposal.

With its agreement Councillor Taylor also addressed the Committee. He  spoke, acknowledging the urgent need for a SEND school in Romford but raising concerns about the site’s suitability. He questioned the adequacy of drop-off arrangements, bus capacity for pupils with mobility needs, and suggested TfL engagement to review transport provision and bus stop locations. Councillor Taylor also suggested pavement upgrades for safety and raised concerns about the proposed MUGA’s community use outside school hours, urging consultation with residents to mitigate amenity impacts. In response, Officers confirmed that conditions and agreements would address lighting, community use and management plans and reiterated that the application would be subject to GLA and Secretary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.