The Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss three proposed developments in Romford: a residential-led mixed-use development at the Liberty Shopping Centre, a supported accommodation building by the YMCA Thames Gateway, and a co-living development at the former Atik nightclub site. Councillors did not make any planning decisions at this meeting, but raised questions and concerns about each proposal for the developers and planning officers to consider.

Liberty Shopping Centre Redevelopment

The committee reviewed a proposal to redevelop the Liberty Shopping Centre site into a residential-led mixed-use development with approximately 700 new homes. The plan includes demolishing parts of the shopping centre and surrounding buildings. The application seeks full planning permission for 'Plot 1', with outline consent for the rest of the scheme.

Key points discussed:

• Retail Space: Councillor Jane Keane asked for clarification on the change in retail floor space, with a breakdown in metric. Steve Daniels, head of asset management and regeneration for Redical, owners of the Liberty Shopping Center, said there would be a net reduction in retail space overall, but the occupied retail position would be higher due to filling vacant units.
• Food and Beverage Provision: Councillor Jane Keane enquired whether the development would address the perceived lack of food floor space per head in Romford.
• Building Height: Councillor Jane Keane voiced concerns about the 25-storey building, questioning policy support for such tall buildings in Romford and the potential environmental impact at its base.
• Roof Removal: Councillor Jane Keane sought clarification on the extent of roof removal, concerned about previous plans to remove the roof throughout the shopping area. Hazel Round from architects Shed KM clarified that only the roof of Steward's Walk would be removed.
• Market Frontage Architecture: Councillor David Taylor expressed interest in the market frontage design, urging variation in architecture to reflect the area's history.
• Fire Safety: Councillor John Crowder raised concerns about fire safety in the 25-storey building, including the number of exits and lift reliability.
• Car Parking: Councillor John Crowder expressed concern about the reduction of car parking spaces, arguing that Romford's attraction has historically been its ease of parking. Councillor David Taylor countered that council evidence suggests an oversupply of retail floor space and car parking.
• Phasing: Councillor Jane Keane requested more detail on the phasing of the development and its impact on footfall in the town centre.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Robby Misir, Member Champion for Equalities & Diversity, asked about the potential for social rented properties and the affordability of rents for Havering residents.
• Service Charges: Councillor Robby Misir raised concerns about high service charges for residents due to the shopping centre's operating costs.
• Community Services: Councillor Jane Keane asked about incorporating services like health provision and prayer rooms.
• Anti-social Behaviour: Councillor Jane Keane raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and how the development would address it.
• Wind Impact: Councillor Jane Keane asked whether lessons had been learned from other developments, such as Basildon, regarding wind tunnels.

YMCA Thames Gateway Supported Accommodation

The committee discussed a proposal by YMCA Thames Gateway to build a six-storey building with 184 supported accommodation units at 29 Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 0PH. The new building would allow residents from the existing, aging YMCA building to move into the new accommodation, after which the older building would be redeveloped.

Key points discussed:

• Accommodation During Construction: Councillor John Crowder asked how existing residents would be accommodated during construction. Matt Jones from YMCA explained that the existing building would be retained until the new building is complete, allowing residents to move directly into the new accommodation.
• Relationship with Grenfell Park: Councillor Jane Keane suggested improving the relationship between the site and Grenfell Park, and enhancing the experience of people that need space and green.
• Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC): Councillor Jane Keane asked how the development would affect the SINC[^2] and what was being done to address concerns raised by the Quality Review Panel. [^2]: A Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) is an area designated for its importance to wildlife and biodiversity.
• River Rom Contamination: Councillor Jane Keane asked how the River Rom would be protected from contaminants during construction.
• Courtyard Overlooking: Councillor David Taylor raised concerns about the courtyards being overlooked by the residential units.
• Naturalisation Viability: Councillor David Taylor enquired about the viability of naturalising the river, considering the YMCA's charitable status.
• Creek Stagnation: Councillor David Taylor asked how the proposed creek would be prevented from becoming a puddle of stale water.
• Construction Method Statement: Councillor Jane Keane asked for reassurance that the construction method statement would give the planning department some control over the way in which the construction would be undertaken.

Former Atik Nightclub Co-Living Development

The committee considered a proposal to demolish the former Atik nightclub at 108 South Street, Romford, and construct a co-living development with 294 units.

Key points discussed:

• Havana Close Delivery Bikes: Councillor Jane Keane asked where the delivery bikes currently parked on Havana Close would be relocated.
• Shared Workspace Usage: Councillor David Taylor asked how much the shared workspaces would actually be used by residents.
• Site History: Councillor Jane Keane expressed disappointment that the council had not put the building into the conservation area, and asked how the history and heritage of the site would be captured and referenced in the new development.
• Room Sizes: Councillor Jane Keane requested more detail on room sizes and layouts, including provisions for disabled users.
• Disabled Access: Councillor Jane Keane asked about disabled access to the building, including vehicular access.
• Fire Evacuation: Councillor John Crowder raised concerns about fire evacuation procedures for disabled residents, particularly those on upper floors.
• Arts and Culture Strategy: Councillor Robby Misir suggested engaging with Havering's new arts and culture strategy to document the history of the nightclub.
• Courtyard Location: Councillor Robby Misir asked about the reasoning for directing the public square towards the Battis rather than Havana Close.
• Community Safety: Councillor Jane Keane raised concerns about community safety issues and the need for robust discussions with the enforcement team.
• Building Security: Councillor Jane Keane stressed the importance of security throughout the building, including access to roof spaces.
• Railway Noise: Councillor Ray Best requested details on soundproofing to mitigate noise from the railway line.
• Station Opinion: Councillor Ray Best asked for the opinion of the railway station owner on the development.
• Permanent Security: Councillor John Crowder asked whether there would be permanent security personnel on site, in addition to facilities staff.
• Disability Bays: Councillor John Crowder suggested providing some disability bays in the area as part of the application.