The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 10 February 2026 and unanimously approved a proposal for a new six-storey supported accommodation block at the YMCA campus on Rush Green Road, Romford. The committee also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 December 2025.

YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford

The committee unanimously approved the redevelopment of the YMCA campus on Rush Green Road, Romford. The approved development will see the construction of a six-storey building providing 184 short-term supported housing units, along with flexible ground-floor spaces for amenity and ancillary uses. This development aims to address the local need for supported accommodation in both Barking and Dagenham and Havering.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns regarding the potential impact on local infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities, and the existing traffic congestion in the area. The planning officer explained that while no direct contributions to healthcare facilities were proposed, the development was not anticipated to create significant adverse impacts. Regarding traffic, a transport statement indicated no significant impacts due to the majority of residents not owning cars, and the YMCA would manage the limited on-site parking.

Concerns were also raised about the design of the units, specifically the lack of openable windows. The planning officer clarified that this was due to strict safeguarding measures implemented by the YMCA, and that natural ventilation would be provided through panels, supplemented by mechanical ventilation. The units are intended for short-term stays of up to two years, focusing on rehabilitation for those experiencing homelessness.

The proposal includes significant landscaping and ecological enhancements, including the re-naturalisation of the River Rom and the creation of a flood compensation creek. The development is expected to achieve a biodiversity net gain of over 270%, significantly exceeding the mandatory 10%. The recommendation for approval was subject to overcoming an outstanding objection from the Environment Agency regarding flood risk assessment, with delegated authority given to officers to resolve this matter.

The committee also resolved to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth and Head of Planning and Assurance to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and any further conditions or obligations requested by the Environment Agency. A timeframe was set for the completion of the legal agreement and the resolution of the Environment Agency's objection, after which authority was delegated to refuse planning permission or extend the timeframe.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the previous Planning Committee meeting held on 16 December 2025 were confirmed as correct.