Special Report: Romford Masterplan To Be Put Before Cabinet This Week-But Will It Be Better Or Worse For Havering Residents?

‘There doesn’t appear to be enough infrastructure to cope with what would be a huge increase in population. This area is not like Central London and should not to be treated as such.‘-Councillor Judith Holt.

The Romford Masterplan, the comprehensive vision for the future development and regeneration of Romford Town Centre, will be presented to Cabinet for adoption at this week’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 12 March.

With a population increase believed to be over 20,000 in the last five years, the masterplan estimates a further increase of 25,000 by 2041 and as such has to build to to accommodate.

There have been numerous objections to the building of further tower blocks across Romford, with angry residents stating that the area has already lost its historic character. Objections have been put in against Como Street car park development plans, and the horrendous height of tower blocks that directly look on to Linden Way and neighbouring streets.

What is the Romford Masterplan?

The Romford Masterplan is a Supplementary Planning Document that will support the Local Plan, and aims to transform the area into a more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community.

It will serve as a planning policy document, influencing private landowner developments within Romford, with financial contributions from these landowners expected to fund public space improvements.

This plan, shaped by community feedback and Council priorities, will also protect Romford’s unique character and history, creating an attractive mixed-use town centre.

Key features include:

• re-naturalising the River Rom
• greening the town centre
• improving the public spaces – in particular the Market Place
• retaining retail and leisure and supporting a mix of uses
• attracting inward investment
• supporting the delivery of infrastructure
• creating safer routes into the town centre.

Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, said:

“The Masterplan, which has been subject to extensive public consultation and refinement, aims to revitalize Romford by focusing on key areas such as the Market, the River Rom, and public spaces. 

“73 percent of residents that participated in the most recent consultation expressed continued support for the plan, which is very encouraging.

“Approval by the Cabinet will underscore the Council’s commitment to improving Romford’s appeal as a place to live, work, and visit.”

It follows the presentation to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 6 March, which gave the overall recommendation to support the Masterplan.

The Havering Daily has been speaking with numerous councillors to gather their opinion on the masterplan. Will it improve Romford?

Councillor and London Assembly Member Keith Prince said:

“The Romford Masterplan is an ill conceived poorly thought out plan that like the plans to close the Libraries which were rejected by the previous Conservative Party. The officers knowing that the cabinet members do not challenge what is put in front of them, have dusted down the old plans and the current Administration have allowed these appalling plans to go through.”

Councillor Jane Keane said:

“It’s about taking back control of our Town Centre – for the benefit of people who live in Romford.I ran for election on a pledge of having a Romford Masterplan. For too long residents have been dictated to by developers. Now we have a master plan, the tables will be turned. Developers will be asked to comply with our local vision, objectives and plans.

 As a local Romford Councillor, I have kept my promise to the electors who voted for me; I have delivered what I can deliver. Now the Council’s regeneration team and planners have a document that they can use to control development in Romford and also to aid inward investment in the town’s infrastructure. 

 What is even more pleasing to me as a Romford Labour Councillor is that the vision is inclusive.  Following the submission of our group’s response to the consultation there is now a new over-riding objective which puts community safety and inclusion (including the safety of women and girls and boys) at the heart of our masterplan. Those who manage the Town Centre will know that significant resources go into managing crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour. It is safer and cheaper to design safer and inclusive Town Centre sites rather than keep paying for more and more policing and enforcement as an after-thought.

 Whilst actual delivery of the content is subject to favourable market conditions, we have created a robust policy framework for the improvement of Romford Town Centre. The next step is to create an investment prospectus for the areas we have more direct control of, for example, Romford market area.”

Councillor Dilip Patel said:

Romford desperatley needs revamping.It is important that we attract people to Romford, However, it is important that we have the correct infrastructure in place to support all the new builds. We need more schools, and GP’s surgeries.

“We know the London plan says parking is not important, but it is here as we do not have the same bus service as other areas. Some buses here run every 30 minutes.

“We must also make sure that women coming to Romford either in the day or at night, feel safe.”

Councillor Judith Holt said:

Romford Town Centre has been neglected by Havering Council for too many years, so this Masterplan is welcome in that respect and there are some good ideas, like promoting heritage and adding more greenery. And, there will be room for changes and adaptions to the Plan in the future. However, I have grave concerns about how it will all be financed, plus there doesn’t appear to be enough infrastructure to cope with what would be a huge increase in population. This area is not like Central London and should not to be treated as such.”

Councillor Nisha Patel said:

“Infrastructure is important here. Queen’s hospital is already struggling now and the building of more and more flats without key health services will only continue to overstretch this hospital. We need the right facilities put into to deal with these new builds.”

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