The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss three significant development proposals. The committee received presentations and heard from councillors and the public on plans for the former Homebase site in Davidson Way, Crowlands Golf Centre in Crow Lane, and the former Debenhams building in Market Place, Romford. No final decisions were made at this meeting, as these were development update briefings.

Former Homebase, Davidson Way, Romford

The committee discussed proposals for the demolition of the former Homebase building and the creation of a residential-led neighbourhood comprising 584 homes, approximately 200 square meters of commercial floor space, a new public park, and land set aside for a new primary school. The scheme has evolved significantly due to the need to avoid a large sewage pipe running through the site, which has resulted in a revised layout with an enhanced public realm and a larger park. The tallest buildings are proposed at 16 storeys.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding flood risk mitigation, the provision of a school, and parking, particularly for disabled individuals. There was also a discussion about the cumulative impact of multiple developments on parking and traffic, with a suggestion for a coordinated approach. Members welcomed the increased public open space but expressed concerns about connectivity to the town centre, station, and hospital, as well as the barrier effect of surrounding roads. The height of the proposed development, up to 16 storeys, was considered to be at the upper limit of acceptability, and members requested more information on internal layouts and apartment sizes. The committee also highlighted the importance of community involvement in the management of the river corridor and suggested improvements to areas along the river wall and Old Church Road.

Crowlands Golf Centre, Crow Lane

The committee received a presentation on a proposed full planning application for a mixed-use development at Crowlands Golf Centre. The proposal includes 1,253 affordable homes (60% social rent, 40% key worker housing), a 720 sqm sports hall, a 450 sqm community centre/boat house, 164 sqm of neighbourhood retail, 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 spans two boroughs, Barking and Dagenham and Havering, and is designated as Metropolitan Green Belt.

A ward member, Councillor Viddy Persaud, raised objections, stating that residents strongly opposed development on the Green Belt land, which they valued as an open space supporting wildlife and community well-being. Concerns were also raised about the strain on local infrastructure, including roads and health services, and the potential environmental impact. Members sought clarification on whether the site was designated Green Belt or Grey Belt, with officers advising that it is currently designated Green Belt and a site-by-site assessment would be made. Investigations into historic landfill use were ongoing, with initial reports indicating inert construction waste. Members discussed the housing mix, with a particular need for four-bedroom dwellings, and raised concerns about parking provision, traffic impact, and access arrangements, as well as the impact on biodiversity and local infrastructure. The management of the development across two boroughs was also a point of discussion.

Former Debenhams, 56-72 Market Place, Romford

The committee discussed proposals for the demolition of the former Debenhams building and its redevelopment into a residential-led, mixed-use scheme. The proposal includes 155 homes, a 118-bedroom hotel, and ground-floor commercial units. Two residential blocks at the southern end of the site are proposed at 12 and 14 storeys, while the hotel block facing Market Place would be six storeys.

A member expressed concern that the proposals did not align with the Romford Masterplan vision for the marketplace, finding the frontage uniform and lacking a civic nod. Concerns were also raised about the scale and bulk of the rear buildings. The level of disabled parking provision was queried, with five Blue Badge spaces proposed. Members discussed the absence of parking for hotel guests, with officers explaining that London Plan policy discourages parking in highly accessible town centre locations. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of hotel guests using existing town centre parking. Members also commented on the materials and design, suggesting a warmer palette and a more human scale for the ground floor, with consideration for signage. The need for drop-off and pick-up arrangements for the hotel was also noted.