The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council was scheduled to discuss three significant planning applications for redevelopment across the borough. These included proposals for a residential-led scheme at the former Homebase site in Romford, a large-scale affordable housing development at Crowlands Golf Centre, and a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Debenhams store in Romford.

Former Homebase, Davidson Way, Romford

The committee was scheduled to consider a pre-application for the demolition of the existing building at the former Homebase site on Davidson Way, Romford and its redevelopment. The proposal included a residential-led scheme with ground-floor commercial and community spaces, and the creation of a primary school. The development aimed to provide 584 homes, approximately 200 sqm of commercial floorspace, a new public park, and space for a new primary school. The scheme was designed to accommodate a significant increase in density, with the tallest building proposed at 16 storeys, tapering down in height towards the south and east. The unit mix was planned to comprise 50% studio and 1-bedroom units, 40% 2-bedroom units, and 10% 3-bedroom units. The affordable housing offer was set at 20% by habitable room, with 60% as Social Rent and 40% as Discount Market Sale. The report highlighted the site's excellent Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 6a and noted the eastern edge of the site falls within Flood Zone 3 due to the River Rom. The Quality Review Panel had previously commented on the proposed layout, height, massing, and public realm, generally supporting the revised scheme which accommodated a large sewerage pipe running through the site.

Crowlands Golf Centre, Crow Lane

A pre-application for a significant residential-led development at Crowlands Golf Centre, Crow Lane was scheduled for discussion. The proposal outlined a development of up to 1,300 homes, with a key feature being that all homes would be 100% affordable, split between social rent and key worker housing. The development also included a sports hall, community centre, neighbourhood retail space, public open space, and a new bus route. The site, currently a golf centre, is designated as Metropolitan Green Belt, meaning a Very Special Circumstances (VSC) approach would be required for development. The report indicated that the provision of 100% affordable housing and an enhanced sports/recreational facility could form part of this VSC. The proposed density was considered relatively high but within the ranges identified in the London Plan and Local Plan. Building heights were planned to range from 2 to 6 storeys. The report detailed the proposed housing mix, with 53.65% 2-bedroom units, 31% 3-bedroom units, 8.85% 1-bedroom units, and 6.5% 4-bedroom units. The Quality Review Panel had provided feedback on the masterplan layout, streets, access, parking, architectural character, and landscaping, with the applicant team responding to these comments to evolve the scheme.

Former Debenhams, 56-72 Market Place, Romford

The committee was also set to consider a pre-application for the redevelopment of the former Debenhams store at 56-72 Market Place, Romford, RM1 3ER. The proposal involved the demolition of the existing building and its replacement with a residential-led, mixed-use scheme. This included a hotel with 118 rooms fronting Market Place, commercial space at ground and upper floors, and two residential buildings to the rear, connected by a communal amenity podium. A new public plaza and a freestanding commercial building were also part of the plans, along with widening and landscaping works to Swan Walk. The residential buildings were proposed at 12 and 14 storeys, with the hotel block at 6 storeys, broadly matching the height of the existing Debenhams building. The site is located within the Romford Conservation Area and near Grade II* listed St Edward the Confessor Church. The proposal aimed to provide 155 homes, with a unit mix of 38% 1-bedroom, 32% 2-bedroom, and 30% 3-bedroom units. The affordable housing offer was proposed at 20%, weighted towards family-sized accommodation. The report noted the site's excellent PTAL of 6a, leading to a car-free proposal, with five disabled parking bays provided. The Quality Review Panel had provided extensive feedback on height, massing, architecture, internal layouts, public realm, and sustainability, with the applicant team detailing their responses and design amendments.