The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council was scheduled to discuss several significant planning applications, including proposals for residential-led developments in Hornchurch and Romford. The meeting's agenda also included a review of previous meeting minutes and presentations on upcoming developments.

Land North of Benets Road, Hornchurch

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on a proposed residential-led development of up to 570 dwellings on land north of Benets Road in Hornchurch. This pre-application item was presented to allow members to comment on the proposal before a formal planning application is submitted. The site is designated as Green Belt, and a key consideration for the council would be whether the land could be classified as Grey Belt, which would allow for development under specific circumstances. The report detailed the site's characteristics, including its agricultural use, proximity to the Ingrebourne River, and existing Tree Preservation Orders. It also outlined feedback from Havering's Quality Review Panel, which raised points regarding the masterplan principles, access, servicing, ecology, and public realm and landscape design.

Applications for Decision

The committee was scheduled to consider two applications related to the Waterloo Estate regeneration area in Romford.

Land Bound by Waterloo Road, the Great Eastern Main Line, and Cotleigh Road (P1297.25)

This application sought to vary conditions of an existing planning permission (ref: P0761.20) for the redevelopment of the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate. The proposed changes aimed to amend approved parameter plans for Plots 9 and 10, specifically to reduce building heights and simplify building forms. These amendments were intended to enhance the deliverability of the development, particularly in response to updated building regulations, and were presented alongside a related Reserved Matters application. The report highlighted that the proposed changes were modest and did not increase the overall quantum of development, while aiming to improve separation distances and public realm interfaces. The application was noted as being within the categories requiring referral to the Mayor of London, though the GLA had advised they did not need further consultation.

Land Bound by Waterloo Road, the Great Eastern Main Line, and Cotleigh Road (P1293.25)

This application sought Reserved Matters approval for Plots 9 and 10 within the Waterloo Estate regeneration area. The proposals detailed the appearance, scale, layout, and landscaping for these plots, which are intended to provide residential units and community use. The report stated that these proposals were submitted in parallel with the Section 73 application (P1297.25) and were designed to align with the amended parameter plans. The development for Plot 9 includes up to six storeys and community use, while Plot 10 is a four-storey residential building. The application was expected to demonstrate compliance with the approved Design Code and outline consent, contributing to the delivery of affordable housing within the wider regeneration project.

Development Presentations

The committee was scheduled to receive presentations on proposed developments, which are at a pre-application stage. These presentations are for members to view and comment on, and do not constitute formal planning applications at this stage. The report indicated that one such presentation was scheduled for Land North of Benets Road, Hornchurch.

Previous Meeting Minutes

The committee was also scheduled to approve the minutes of the previous Strategic Planning Committee meeting held on 22 January 2026. The minutes from this meeting detailed discussions on several significant planning applications, including proposals for the former Homebase site in Romford, Crowlands Golf Centre, and the former Debenhams site in Romford. Concerns raised during that meeting included flood risk mitigation, parking provision, affordable housing, public open space connectivity, building heights, and the impact on local infrastructure and biodiversity.