The Barking and Dagenham Planning Committee met to discuss planning performance, review the annual monitoring report, and consider the East London Joint Waste Plan. The committee noted the Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee minutes and report, and also the Annual Monitoring Report 2023/24.

Annual Monitoring Report 2023/24

Tim Thomas, Head of Infrastructure, Transport Policy and Insight at BFAST, presented the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) 2023/24¹, a statutory document that monitors the progress of the council's planning policies as defined in the Local Plan (to 2037) and supplementary planning documents. The AMR details the performance of the Planning Service, measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) covering design, heritage, conservation, housing, employment, environment, sustainable infrastructure and transport. It also provides a summary of Section 106 agreements² and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)³ funds. Key points from the report included:

• 100% of major and non-major planning application decisions were made on time for the third year in a row.
• 1,219 homes were permitted through the planning process, including 656 affordable homes.
• £240,272.31 was received through Section 106 Agreements for Carbon Offset Funds.
• 1,191 homes were completed, including 376 affordable homes.
• 354 jobs for local people were delivered through new development.

Gypsy and Traveller Provision

In response to questions from the committee, Tim Thomas discussed the provision for Gypsy and Traveller sites in the borough. He explained that the council currently has a site at Eastbrook End, but it is too small. A needs assessment identified the need for a larger provision over the next five years. The council has carried out a review of potential sites, but has not found any suitable locations. The Local Plan includes a provision to look at expanding the existing site, but this would be difficult due to its location near the country park. The council is also looking to develop a longer-term site in the Castle Green area, adjacent to the A13, subject to planning and funding. The council is required to review this policy over the next year.

Finance

The AMR also detailed the Council Infrastructure Funding Statement, providing a summary of both Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies received, allocated and spent in the 2023/24 financial year, listing both strategic and neighbourhood projects.

Marilyn Smith, Head of Planning Decisions and Assurance, explained how CIL monies are allocated through the council's Planning Strategy team, using a Dragons Den approach to encourage resident participation. The council plans to supplement future annual reports to show residents how the monies have been spent, increase monitoring, and publicise funding availability at both strategic and neighbourhood levels. A new post is to be advertised and recruited to in the team to support this work.

Traffic and Transport

In response to questions about traffic and transport, Tim Thomas noted that Transport for London (TfL) is showing increasing interest in the borough in terms of growing public transport provision. He mentioned the petition for the reopening of the Dagenham East station. TfL is looking for the council to commit some of its CIL or other funding to contribute to these schemes. The council is continually looking at stations, buses, and road schemes with TfL.

He noted that the council is in discussion with TfL about the Longbridge Road scheme and the Wellbourne lanes, where there are bottlenecks. The council has an active modelling system to identify pinch points and is working to improve signalling, road layout, and junctions. Shorter-term solutions include improving signalling and bus lane provision. The council is also planning to launch a bike hire scheme later this year.

Councillor Muhammad Saleem, Chair of the Planning Committee, noted that the council's decision to restrict access to Barking Station Parade for cars has improved the environment, reduced pollution and improved public safety. Tim Thomas said that the completion of developments at Barking Station is expected to be about six months away, but that there have been issues with costs and the contract.

Regarding the A406 and London Road roundabout, Tim Thomas said that the council has funds to develop a scheme, but TfL is not overly supportive at the current time. The council is still working on the design and modelling, but the cost of the scheme is a problem. Newham Council is also not fully supportive.

Electric Bike Scheme

A question was raised about how the council would control electric bikes being ridden in pedestrian areas, particularly in light of the planned introduction of a bicycle scheme. Tim Thomas said that the electric bike scheme would be a trial, starting with 300-400 bikes based around Barking Town Centre and Barking Riverside. If successful, it will spread across the borough. The council is working with the provider to ensure that bikes are cleared up if left behind. There will be designated parking areas, and the bikes will be tracked. Users will be fined if they leave bikes in the wrong place.

Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee

The committee noted the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee held on 14 April 2025, as well as an accompanying report from Be First detailing the sub-committee's findings. The report included an overview of the performance of the Planning Service, a review of planning decisions, and a summary of the function and work of Building Control, Land Charges, and Street Naming and Numbering.