The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss three major development proposals. The committee heard presentations and debated plans for a new residential-led neighbourhood at the former Homebase site in Davidson Way, Romford; a large-scale affordable housing development at Crowlands Golf Centre in Crow Lane; and a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Debenhams site in Romford's Market Place. No final decisions were made on these pre-application proposals, with further discussions and design refinements anticipated.

Former Homebase, Davidson Way, Romford

The committee received a pre-application briefing on plans to demolish the former Homebase building on Davidson Way, Romford, and replace it with a residential-led neighbourhood. The proposal includes 584 homes, approximately 200 square metres of commercial floor space, a new public park, and land set aside for a primary school. The development aims to create a new neighbourhood within the Rom Valley area of the Romford Masterplan SPD, enhancing public realm and connectivity. The current proposal has evolved significantly due to the need to avoid a large sewage pipe running through the site, which has resulted in a larger public park and revised building layouts. The tallest buildings are proposed at 16 storeys, stepping down to 6 storeys. The affordable housing offer is 20% by habitable room, with 60% at social rent and 40% as discount market sale.

Members raised concerns about flood risk mitigation, with officers confirming measures such as minor level increases and bank naturalisation would be implemented. The provision of a school was clarified as being safeguarded land, not part of the current application. Significant concerns were voiced regarding parking, particularly for disabled individuals, and the affordability of housing, with a request to increase the affordable housing provision, including for key workers. The cumulative impact of multiple developments on parking and traffic was highlighted, with a call for a coordinated approach. Connectivity to the town centre, station, and hospital, as well as the management of the river corridor, were also discussed. The height of the proposed 16-storey buildings was considered to be at the upper limit of acceptability, with a request for more detail on internal layouts and apartment sizes.

Crowlands Golf Centre, Crow Lane

The committee was briefed on a pre-application proposal for a mixed-use development at Crowlands Golf Centre, Crow Lane. The plans include up to 1,300 residential homes, all of which would be affordable housing (60% social rent and 40% key worker housing). The development also proposes a 720 sqm sports hall, a 450 sqm community centre/boat house, 164 sqm of neighbourhood retail, extensive landscaping, parking, cycle storage, over 3.5 hectares of public open space, 1.5 hectares of children's play space, and a new bus route linking Crow Lane and Wood Lane. The site, which spans two boroughs (Barking and Dagenham and Havering), is designated as Metropolitan Green Belt and includes a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

Councillor Viddy Persaud, a ward member, objected to the proposal, citing strong resident opposition to development on Green Belt land and highlighting its value for wellbeing, recreation, and wildlife. Concerns were raised about the precedent development would set, the strain on local infrastructure, and environmental impacts. Members sought clarification on the site's designation as Green Belt or Grey Belt, with officers stating it is currently designated Green Belt and a site-by-site assessment would be made. Investigations into historic landfill and ground conditions indicated inert construction waste in limited areas, with ongoing investigations and consultation with the Environment Agency. Concerns were raised about the housing mix, particularly the need for larger family homes, and the adequacy of parking and traffic management, given the area's car dependency and cumulative impacts. Biodiversity, healthcare provision, and the management of the site across two boroughs were also discussed. Clarification was sought on social rent and key worker housing definitions, and the management of the proposed sports hall.

Former Debenhams, 56-72 Market Place, Romford

The committee received a pre-application briefing on plans for the mixed-use redevelopment of the former Debenhams site in Romford's Market Place. The proposal involves demolishing the existing building to create a residential-led scheme comprising 155 homes, a 118-bedroom hotel, and ground-floor commercial units. Two residential blocks are proposed at the southern end of the site at 12 and 14 storeys, with a 6-storey hotel block facing Market Place. The scheme also includes a new public plaza and improvements to Swan Walk. The site is within the Romford Conservation Area and in the setting of the Grade II* listed St Edward the Confessor Church.

Members expressed concern that the proposals did not align with the Romford Masterplan vision for the Market Square, finding the frontage uniform and lacking reference to the historic context. The hotel entrance was seen as a missed opportunity for a more distinctive design, and the scale and bulk of the rear buildings were considered overly dominant. Queries were raised about disabled parking provision, with five bays proposed, and whether this could be increased. Members questioned the absence of parking for hotel guests, with officers explaining that London Plan policy discourages parking in highly accessible town centre locations to promote sustainable transport. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact of hotel guests using existing town centre parking. The design, materials, and human scale of the ground floor were discussed, with suggestions for warmer materials and a clearer shopfront strategy. Consideration was also requested for hotel drop-off and pick-up arrangements.