The Planning Committee of Havering Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 29 October 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the creation of a synthetic turf pitch at The Campion School, alterations to a nursery on Suttons Lane, and an extension to an office building on Howard Road.

The Campion School Synthetic Turf Pitch

A significant item on the agenda is the proposal for the creation of a synthetic turf pitch (STP) at The Campion School in Hornchurch. The report pack indicates that the development would involve the construction of the pitch itself, along with associated fencing, floodlighting, ancillary equipment, and additional parking provision. The proposal is presented as a means to significantly enhance the quality, capacity, and accessibility of sports facilities for both students and the wider community, aligning with national and local policies that support sports and recreation. Concerns raised by local residents, detailed in the report pack, include potential noise and disturbance from player activity, spectator cheering, and vehicle movements, as well as light pollution from the floodlights. There are also objections regarding increased traffic congestion, potential overspill parking on residential streets, and environmental concerns related to microplastic run-off. The report pack notes that the Council's Highway Authority and Environmental Health department have raised no objections, subject to conditions, and that a Noise Management Plan and a Community Use Agreement would be required.

51 Herbert Road, Hornchurch

The committee is scheduled to consider a retrospective application for the retention of a dwelling at 51 Herbert Road (Rear of) in Hornchurch. The report pack indicates that this application relates to alterations to a previously approved scheme, including details of landscaping and finished site levels. The report highlights that the application was called in by a Councillor due to concerns about the development not being in accordance with approved plans, leading to increased height and changes to site levels. The report pack details a series of conditions that would be imposed if planning permission is granted, covering aspects such as boundary treatment, landscaping, surface water drainage, and refuse and recycling facilities.

The Campion School, Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch

Another item for discussion is the proposed creation of a synthetic turf pitch (STP) at The Campion School on Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch. The report pack outlines that this development includes the construction of the pitch, perimeter fencing, floodlighting, ancillary equipment, and additional parking. The proposal is presented as a way to significantly enhance sports facilities, supporting increased participation in sport and healthy lifestyles, and is consistent with national and local policies. The report pack details numerous objections from local residents concerning noise and disturbance from the pitch and associated activities, light pollution, increased traffic congestion, and potential environmental impacts from microplastic run-off. The report also notes that the Highway Authority and Environmental Health have raised no objections, subject to conditions, and that a Noise Management Plan and a Community Use Agreement would be required.

59 & 59A Suttons Lane, Hornchurch

The committee is scheduled to review a proposal for alterations and an extension to a nursery at 59 & 59A Suttons Lane in Hornchurch. The report pack indicates that the plans include a front porch extension, roof replacement with a hip to gable conversion, a loft conversion with a rear dormer and roof lights, and a garage conversion with a front porch addition. The proposal also includes the creation of one on-street parking bay. The report highlights that this is a revised proposal aimed at addressing previous refusal reasons, including concerns about highway safety and parking. The report details conditions that would be imposed, such as matching external materials, restricting the use of the loft space, and implementing operational management and travel plans.

Unit 1A Howard Road, Upminster

A proposal for a first-floor extension to an existing office building at Unit 1A Howard Road in Upminster is also on the agenda. The report pack indicates that the extension would create expanded commercial office accommodation. The report notes that the site has previously been subject to dismissed residential appeal schemes due to concerns about residential amenity and parking. The current proposal retains a commercial use and is presented as an intensification of existing floorspace in a sustainable location. The report details conditions that would be imposed, including restrictions on the use of the extended space to office purposes only, specified hours of operation, and the use of obscure glazing on windows facing neighbouring properties.

139 Haynes Road, Hornchurch

Finally, the committee is scheduled to consider a proposal for the part-time commercial use of an existing swimming pool at 139 Haynes Road in Hornchurch for children's swimming lessons. The report pack indicates that no physical changes to the buildings are proposed, and the activities are not expected to cause significant harm to the character of the area. However, the report notes that a previous application for a similar use was refused, and an enforcement notice was served. The current proposal includes revised hours of operation and reduced class sizes. The report details conditions that would be imposed, including a limited period permission for 18 months to assess the impact, restrictions on the number of children and staff per class, and specific hours of operation.