The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss two key applications. The committee approved a new outline planning application for Barking Riverside, which will allow for a significant increase in housing and the provision of extensive new infrastructure and community facilities. They also approved a non-material amendment to a previous planning consent at Beam Park, relating to the delivery of Beam Park Station.

Barking Riverside Area, Renwick Road, Barking - New Outline Planning Application (NOPA)

The committee considered a new outline planning application (NOPA) for Barking Riverside, proposed by Barking Riverside Limited (BRL). This application seeks to increase the total number of homes on the site from 10,800 to up to 20,000, alongside an increase in non-residential floorspace. The proposal aims to optimise the site's capacity and deliver a comprehensive package of infrastructure and community benefits.

Key aspects discussed and decisions made:

• Housing and Affordable Housing: The NOPA proposes up to 13,046 new homes, with a baseline of 12% affordable housing at a 50:50 social to intermediate tenure split. This could rise to a maximum of 35% affordable housing, subject to viability. This represents a significant increase in affordable housing provision compared to the existing Outline Planning Permission (OPP).
• Infrastructure and Community Facilities: The development includes substantial contributions towards infrastructure, such as £11 million for additional bus services, £2 million for local connectivity enhancements, and £50,000 for Barking Station capacity studies. It also commits to providing land for three additional primary schools, two new community spaces (up to 6,400 sqm), and an estimated £6.4 to £7.8 million towards healthcare services.
• Design and Density: The application is outline, with all matters reserved. However, parameter plans and design guidelines establish a framework for future development, including maximum building heights of up to 110m in certain areas. The approach to density is design-led, aiming to optimise site capacity while ensuring high-quality placemaking.
• Environmental Considerations: The development includes a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, 70 hectares of open space, and aims for over 35% on-site CO2 reduction beyond Building Regulations. Flood risk is managed through land raising and flood defence buffers, with strategies for sustainable drainage.
• Viability and CIL: The applicant's Financial Viability Appraisal indicated a significant deficit. However, a baseline of 12% affordable housing is secured, with mechanisms to increase this to 35% if viability improves. The scheme is also expected to contribute between £33 and £44 million in Borough Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
• Consultation and Objections: The application received 51 objections and one letter of support. Key concerns raised by objectors included the impact of building heights and density, insufficient social and physical infrastructure (particularly healthcare), transport congestion, environmental impacts, and the quality of community consultation. Supporters highlighted the potential for a successful new neighbourhood and the benefits of increased housing and amenities.
• Decision: The committee voted to approve the application, with Councillor Farouk Choudhury voting against.

Beam Park Station - Non-Material Amendment

The committee also considered an application for a non-material amendment to a previous planning consent at Beam Park, concerning Condition 71 of the outline planning permission. The amendment sought to alter the trigger for development of residential and commercial units in phases E, F, and G, allowing them to commence concurrently with the construction of Beam Park Station, rather than only after its completion.

Key aspects discussed and decisions made:

• Purpose of Amendment: The amendment aims to accelerate housing delivery at Beam Park, designated as a 'New Homes Accelerator Site', by enabling the station's construction to proceed alongside housing development.
• Safeguards: The proposed wording includes stringent safeguards, requiring confirmation from Network Rail and/or the Department for Transport that the station's construction has the relevant authority to proceed, along with evidence of commencement of enabling works. This ensures that the station's delivery remains a priority.
• Non-Materiality: Officers assessed the change against the context of the overall scheme and previous amendments, concluding that it constitutes a non-material amendment as it maintains the original purpose of the condition while enabling faster housing delivery.
• Decision: The committee unanimously approved the non-material amendment.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking officers, objectors, supporters, and the applicant's representatives for their contributions.