The Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 26 February 2026. The committee received a pre-application presentation for a proposed residential development on land north of Benetts Road, Hornchurch. The committee also considered two applications related to the Waterloo Estate regeneration project in Romford: a Section 73 application to vary conditions and a reserved matters application for plots 9 and 10.

Land North of Benetts Road, Hornchurch

The committee received a presentation on a proposed residential development of up to 570 homes on land north of Benetts Road, Hornchurch. The site is currently designated as Green Belt land. A key point of discussion was whether it should be classified as Grey Belt – land that makes a limited contribution to Green Belt purposes. Developers argued that the site met the criteria for Grey Belt, citing its moderate contribution to Green Belt purposes and the borough's housing need. Councillor Lawrence Gerrard, a ward member, strongly opposed this classification, arguing the land was vital for preventing urban sprawl and maintaining local character. Concerns were also raised about the site's sustainability, with limited public transport options, and the potential impact on wildlife and flood risk. The case officer noted that a formal Green Belt/Grey Belt assessment was ongoing, and that each site would be assessed on its merits. The committee was asked for their views on the proposal as the scheme develops, ahead of a formal submission.

Waterloo Estate, Romford - Section 73 Variation (P1297.25)

The committee voted unanimously to approve a Section 73 application to vary conditions on the existing planning permission for the Waterloo Estate regeneration project. The amendments relate to plots 9 and 10 and seek to reduce building heights and simplify massing, primarily to comply with updated fire safety regulations and improve buildability. These changes were considered modest and would result in reduced building heights, with Plot 9 reduced to a maximum of six storeys and Plot 10 a consistent four storeys. The committee heard that these amendments would not negatively impact residential amenity, heritage, townscape, or transport, and in some aspects, would improve them. The approval was contingent on a deed of variation to the original Section 106 agreement.

Waterloo Estate, Romford - Reserved Matters Approval (P1293.25)

Following the approval of the Section 73 variation, the committee voted unanimously to grant reserved matters approval for plots 9 and 10 of the Waterloo Estate development. This detailed approval covers the appearance, scale, layout, and landscaping of the residential buildings. The design, which includes 107 affordable homes, was found to be in compliance with the approved outline consent and the associated Design Code. The committee noted the high-quality architectural approach, the sensitive relationship with the nearby Grade II listed St Andrew's Church, and the provision of adequate amenity space and landscaping. The decision was made subject to planning conditions.