The Strategic Planning Committee of Havering Council met on 26 March 2026 to discuss the redevelopment of the Angel Way multi-storey car park in Romford. The committee approved the demolition of the existing car park and its redevelopment into two residential blocks comprising 106 flats, along with a small commercial unit.

Redevelopment of Angel Way Multi-Storey Car Park, Romford

The committee considered the application for the demolition of the Angel Way multi-storey car park and its redevelopment into two residential blocks containing 106 flats and a small commercial unit. The site is located within the Romford Strategic Development Area and the Romford Metropolitan Town Centre.

Decision: The application was approved by three votes to one, with one abstention.

Discussion:

• Concerns about Deferral: Councillor Joshua Chapman, who called in the application, requested a deferral, citing that a supplementary agenda addressing his concerns was received very late, preventing adequate consideration. He raised issues regarding the safety of women and girls, the suitability of an enclosed site, and the lack of affordable housing.
• Flood Risk and River Rom: Councillor David Taylor highlighted concerns about the de-culverting of the River Rom, noting that while the Environment Agency acknowledged the council's strategic aim, engineering challenges meant it was not feasible on this site without increasing flood risk elsewhere. The Environment Agency recommended further exploration of alternative solutions for flood risk mitigation.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Chapman and Councillor Taylor both expressed disappointment that the development would not include any affordable housing. Officers explained that a financial viability assessment, independently reviewed, indicated the scheme was unviable for affordable housing provision.
• Design and Height: The proposed development includes two blocks, one of part six and part eight storeys, and another of six storeys. While the Romford Masterplan SPD suggests heights of four to six storeys, officers argued that the proposed heights were acceptable given the context of taller consented developments nearby. Concerns were raised about the impact on the setting of the Romford Conservation Area and the locally listed Trinity Methodist Church, with the Conservation Officer noting less than substantial harm.
• Unit Mix: The scheme proposes 39 one-bedroom, 56 two-bedroom, and 11 three-bedroom flats. While this mix is considered appropriate for a town centre setting, it does not fully align with the local plan's aim to include family-sized homes.
• Parking and Transport: The development is proposed as car-free, with four wheelchair accessible parking spaces provided. This approach is supported due to the site's excellent Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 6a. The scheme includes 193 long-stay cycle spaces and 14 short-stay spaces, which is considered an acceptable provision.
• Waste Management: Concerns were raised about waste storage capacity and collection. The proposal includes an Underground Refuse System (URS) with bins located beneath the surface, which has been agreed with the Waste Officer, subject to a condition requiring further details.
• Heritage: The existing car park was described as unattractive and detracting from the setting of the Romford Conservation Area and Trinity Methodist Church. The demolition of the car park was supported on heritage grounds, and the new development was considered to improve the setting of the locally listed church.
• Community Use: The proposed commercial unit on the ground floor is flexible and can be used for retail (Class E) or community purposes (Class F1), which was welcomed.
• Conditions and Obligations: The approval was subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure various planning obligations, including contributions towards school places (£407,225) and health services (£123,096), as well as improvements to Angel Way and a carbon offset contribution. Additional conditions were imposed relating to land contamination, habitat management, construction management, noise, landscaping, and accessible dwellings.

The committee ultimately voted to approve the application, balancing the need for housing and regeneration against the identified planning considerations.