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 appointed members to the Planning Performance Review Subcommittee.

YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford

The committee granted planning permission for the development of a six-storey building at the YMCA campus on Rush Green Road, Romford. The new building will provide 184 short-term supported accommodation units, with en-suite facilities and shared living spaces. The development also includes flexible ground-floor spaces for community and ancillary uses, refuse storage, cycle parking, and blue badge parking.

The application was a cross-boundary proposal with the London Borough of Havering, with the majority of the development site located within Havering. Both boroughs confirmed a local need for the proposed supported housing units. A key aspect of the development is its commitment to ecological enhancements, including the re-naturalisation of the River Rom and the creation of a flood compensation creek.

During the debate, councillors raised questions regarding the impact on local infrastructure, such as healthcare and schools. Officers explained that while a direct contribution to schools was not justified given the target demographic, the YMCA's existing operations meant no adverse impact on healthcare was anticipated. Concerns were also raised about traffic, with officers noting that the development was designed to be car-free, with residents not typically owning cars, and that a parking management plan would be secured.

The design of the building, particularly the lack of openable windows, was discussed. The applicant, YMCA, explained that this was due to safeguarding requirements and operational needs, with ventilation provided through panels and mechanical systems. Councillors also sought clarification on the allocation of units between Barking and Dagenham and Havering, with officers confirming that a nominations agreement would be secured through a Section 106 legal agreement to ensure local need was met.

The proposal was recommended for approval, subject to the completion of a legal agreement and the resolution of an outstanding objection from the Environment Agency concerning flood risk. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, delegating authority to grant planning permission subject to these conditions.

Planning Performance Review Subcommittee

The committee also appointed members to the Planning Performance Review Subcommittee. Councillor Sabbir Zamee, Councillor Muhib Chowdhury, and Councillor Edna Fergus were nominated to serve on the subcommittee alongside the Chair, Councillor Muhammad Saleem, and Deputy Chair, Councillor Alison Cormack. This subcommittee convenes annually to review delegated and appeal decisions to ensure planning policies and criteria are applied correctly.