Councillor Responds To Possible Reports of Malpractice By The Developer Of The Durham Arms.

Councillor Judith Holt and St. Alban’s Ward Conservatives have spoken out in response to a Facebook post and newspaper report about the future of the old Durham Arms Pub in Brentwood Road, Romford, in which there are insinuations by another Councillor of malpractice by the developer and the Planning Department at Havering Council.

“As a Ward Councillor, when there is a new business or development, I’ve learned it’s important to liaise with both the developer and the local community, to ensure the best outcomes not just for the new business, but for the residents whom you represent,” said the Conservative Councillor for St. Alban’s Ward. “Some residents met me to raise concerns about the proposed new flue, which I passed on to the Planning Officers. Equally, I have met the developer, Mr. I. Ahmad, on several occasions, I have seen the works in the building, garden and flats upstairs, plus have spoken to him about issues like noise or food smells which might affect the locality, plus the size of the flats.”

To clarify for readers:

1. The planning application P1072.24 – Installation of new flue and extractor system –was approved last month, with conditions;

2. The retrospective planning application P0957.24 – Conversion of first floor 3-bedroom flat (Use Class C3) into 5-person small HMO (Use Class C4) – was refused last week, so they will need to go back to the drawing-board with that one;

3. Licensing – all fees for food and drink licences have been paid.

Martin Firmstone, of the St. Alban’s Ward Conservative Action Team, added, “What concerns me most about this earlier post and report is their insinuatory nature. Questions and phrases like “is there a non-compliant business operating?” and a “poorly resourced planning enforcement”, if not actually accusative, strongly suggest wrong-doing. If you think someone is doing something illegally or wrongfully, then report them and let things take their course – don’t drip doubt.”

“The developer confirmed to me that he has met this other Councillor on only one occasion before this post was published and only once since,” added Councillor Holt. “He is perplexed why, rather than making insinuations and being negative towards the plans, she has not approached him directly and regularly the way I have done. Most people to whom we speak would like to see the old Durham Arms, which is a locally-listed building, put back into use for the community – it has been an eyesore for far too long.”

For further information, please click on this link:

https://development.havering.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningSearch

Enter “Durham Arms” as Location then click on “Search” – or feel free to contact Councillor Holt directly.

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