The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, approving plans for a significant mixed-use residential development at Crowlands Heath Golf Centre and a change of use for Maritime House to flexible educational and healthcare facilities. The committee also received updates on the council's planning performance and changes to national delegation schemes.

Crowlands Heath Golf Centre Development Approved

Plans for a large mixed-use residential development at Crowlands Heath Golf Centre were approved by the Planning Committee. The development, which spans across Barking and Dagenham and Havering, will see the demolition of existing golf facilities to make way for 1,298 homes, a community retail unit, and extensive public open spaces and recreational facilities. The Barking and Dagenham portion of the development will deliver 300 homes, all of which will be affordable housing, split between social rent and key worker living rent.

Key considerations during the debate included the development's location within the Green Belt, with officers arguing that the site qualifies as grey belt land due to its previously developed nature and limited contribution to Green Belt purposes. The applicant's case for very special circumstances was supported by the significant provision of 100% affordable housing, the evidenced unmet need for housing in the borough, and the substantial public benefits including open spaces, recreational facilities, and infrastructure upgrades.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Ben Suter, the local ward councillor, regarding the limited car parking provision (70 spaces for 300 homes), potential displacement of parking onto surrounding streets, and the impact on local infrastructure such as Queen's Hospital. Councillor Suter urged the committee to reject the application, stating it would be one of the worst decisions this planning committee has ever made.

However, the committee ultimately voted to approve the application, with the Chair highlighting the need to balance housing needs with infrastructure concerns. A £70,000 contribution was secured for a review of controlled parking zones in the surrounding area to mitigate potential parking impacts.

Maritime House Change of Use Approved

The committee unanimously approved a change of use application for Maritime House, a vacant office building in Barking Town Centre, to flexible uses including office, healthcare, and education. The primary driver for the application is to facilitate occupation by Queen Mary University London for a dentistry training school and associated healthcare facilities.

Officers highlighted the benefits of bringing a partially vacant building back into productive use, supporting employment, and providing significant educational and healthcare benefits, including free dental care. Concerns regarding the potential loss of office accommodation were addressed by evidence of prolonged vacancy and active marketing. The proposal also includes a new boundary fence for security purposes, with final details to be secured by condition.

Councillor Ingrid Robinson expressed satisfaction with the educational and healthcare uses but reiterated concerns about car parking, suggesting a need for more spaces. The officer confirmed that the use class would allow for GP surgeries to move in in the future.

Planning Performance and National Scheme of Delegation Updates

The committee received an update on the Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee, which highlighted the council's continued success in determining planning applications within statutory timescales, achieving 100% for both major and non-major applications, placing Barking and Dagenham joint first nationally. The appeal performance was also strong, with 78% of appeals dismissed.

Marilyn Smith, Head of Planning and Assurance, presented information on the upcoming National Scheme of Delegation, which aims to standardise planning decision-making nationally. She explained that the changes would have minimal impact on Barking and Dagenham's current practices due to their already efficient delegation system. However, the council's constitution would need to be amended to reflect these national requirements. The committee was asked to note these changes and agree to amend the reporting format for the Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee to incorporate these operational changes.

The meeting concluded with the Chair declaring the meeting closed at 8:38 pm.