The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 14 October 2024 to discuss two significant planning applications. The committee resolved to delegate authority to grant planning permission for amendments to the Abbey Retail Park development, and to approve the Sub Framework Plan for Station Quarter at Barking Riverside.

Abbey Retail Park, Abbey Road, Barking - 23/01915/VAR

The committee considered an application for minor material amendments to the existing planning consent at Abbey Retail Park. The proposed amendments include increasing the height of several blocks to accommodate 51 additional residential flats, removing ground floor car parking, and relocating blue badge bays.

The Principal Development Management Officer, Be First, presented the report, highlighting that the application sought to vary approved drawings and amend conditions related to car parking and development particulars. The revisions were primarily driven by the need to incorporate a second staircase in blocks to meet updated fire safety regulations, a measure supported by officers. This addition would result in a loss of internal floor area, which the applicant proposed to compensate for by increasing the number of residential units.

The proposal would lead to an increase in the total number of affordable homes from 1,118 to 1,174 units, raising the proportion of affordable housing across the wider site from 35% to 38%. While these additional units would be Discounted Market Sale (DMS) – an intermediate affordable housing tenure – the previously agreed affordable units in Phases 1 and 2 would remain unaffected. The Greater London Authority (GLA) had confirmed the scheme's acceptability via the fast-track route.

Concerns were raised by Mr. Paul Scott, representing the Barking and Dagenham Heritage, regarding increased light pollution, safety issues arising from the high-rise development, and the adverse effect on local heritage, specifically St. Margaret's Church and graveyard. Jarrod Spencer, representing the applicant, responded by noting that English Heritage had not identified any concerns.

The committee resolved to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth, in consultation with the Head of Legal Services, to grant planning permission. This delegation is subject to the completion of a legal agreement under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, with a timeframe set for its completion or the potential refusal of planning permission.

Station Quarter - Barking Riverside Development Site, River Road, Barking - 24/00868/AOD

The committee also considered an application for the approval of details relating to the Sub Framework Plan (SFP) for Station Quarter, pursuant to conditions of a previous outline planning permission. This application also sought the partial discharge of several conditions concerning phasing, nature conservation, landscape, access, and the design code. The proposal covers up to 1,000 dwellings, retail and commercial floorspace, and health and leisure facilities, with associated landscaping and routes.

The Senior Development Management Officer, Be First, introduced the report, noting that no objections were received from neighbouring properties. Matthew Carpen, Managing Director of Barking Riverside Ltd (BRL), provided an overview of the application, highlighting the progress of the wider Barking Riverside development. He congratulated the committee and council on the adoption of the 2037 Local Plan, which he stated provided confidence for continued investment. Mr. Carpen mentioned the completion of approximately 560 homes in the past year, bringing the total to 2,700, with a further 700 under construction. He also noted that the BRL Board had approved plans for over 600 additional homes to be brought forward in a new application in the new year.

Mr. Carpen explained that this application represented the next stage in land disposals to BRL's partners, coming at a challenging time for land disposals, particularly for affordable housing. He stated that the application would give BRL's partners the confidence to deliver infrastructure and planning permissions to support these market conditions. BRL is working with housebuilders, including L&Q, who have priority for affordable housing elements, and is collaborating closely with the GLA and other partners to ensure viability.

The committee resolved to agree the reasons for approval and delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth (or authorised Officer) to approve the SFP and specified planning conditions for Station Quarter, Barking Riverside.