EXCLUSIVE: Harold Hill Residents Anger As They Battle Controversial Plans To Cram Six Houses Behind Their Properties That Could Impact Ancient Woodland.

“These are homes that will directly look straight into our gardens and windows. The access road is too small for daily construction vehicles. It’s a health and safety concern. The noise and disruption for us will be constant.”

A planning application lodged for Petersfield Avenue in Harold Hill has sparked outrage among residents, who say the proposal to squeeze six homes into a small rear access area will devastate their privacy, environment, and quality of life.

The application, submitted by BTS Property Solutions, proposes to build six two-storey, three-bedroom houses on a narrow piece of land between numbers 55 and 57 Petersfield Avenue. This site currently contains garages and a small access route used by residents—hardly what locals consider suitable for heavy construction or an influx of new neighbours.

“This is simply an access road, not a development site,” said Rob, a resident whose home directly borders the proposed plot. “The building of these houses will intrude badly on our privacy. These are homes that will directly look straight into our gardens and windows. The access road is too small for daily construction vehicles. It’s a health and safety concern. The noise and disruption for us will be constant.”

Rob also raised concerns about parking and pollution: “We already have limited parking and this will only make it worse. New homes without adequate infrastructure will worsen existing issues like traffic congestion and noise pollution.”

The Havering Daily visited the site with long-standing community champion Jan Sargent, local councillor Paul McGeary, and residents who fear this plan will permanently scar their neighbourhood.

One of the most serious concerns is the nearby protected woodland. Residents fear the development will put precious wildlife and ancient trees at risk. “We’re losing too many trees already in Havering,” said another resident. “These woods are home to birds, squirrels, and foxes—it’s their sanctuary, and we’re worried it won’t survive the disruption.”

Environmental impact aside, the logistics of everyday life are also under threat. “The council was due to install bins at the entrance to this access road,” Rob added. “With six more houses, waste collection will be unsustainable. Construction will also block our use of the garages. It’s completely unfair.”

Jan Sargent echoed residents’ concerns, telling The Havering Daily:
“This proposed development is not only a threat to the peace and access rights of local residents, but it also endangers an ancient woodland that supports a rich variety of wildlife. Approving it would be a devastating loss to both our community and the natural environment.”

Harold Hill Deer Aid, a fantastic local animal rescue charity who do a vital job saving wildlife across the London and Essex area, have also formally objected

The campaign against the application is growing, with locals uniting to submit formal objections and call on Havering Council to rethink the plans.

The small access road that would be the only entrance to the new properties.

Residents and campaigners urge anyone affected to write to their local councillor or planning office and make their voices heard before it’s too late.

if you would like to sign the petition, please see the link below.

https://www.change.org/p/protect-our-community-b1e3eb61-bafa-4134-af71-30668257f333

Please see the objection letter below sent by Harold Hill Deer Aid.

To Havering Council Planning Department, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford.

Subject: Formal Objection to Planning Development at the rear of 57-67 Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill. RM3 9PR

Planning Application: PO162.25

We are writing to formally object to the proposed planning development at the rear of 57-67 Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill. As residents living within proximity to the proposed development and a wildlife rescue group based in this area, we believe that the proposed development will significantly and negatively impact the local area and the well-being of residents, the wildlife, and the environment. Our objections are based on the following points:

1. Obstruction of Access to Garages: 

The development will obstruct access to residents’ garages that are in constant use, impeding their ability to always use them and potentially restricting access, including for emergencies.

2. Safety Concerns: 

Extra vehicles and traffic in this very small area will limit access to the garages, which will increase the risk of accidents and create challenges for emergency services.

3. Violation of Legal Right of Way: 

The proposed development may infringe on our legal right of access to our garages, which is a serious concern.

4. Loss of Privacy: 

The development may lead to overlooking into existing properties, affecting residents’ privacy.

5. Inadequate Space: 

We feel that the site is too small to accommodate the proposed development without negatively impacting surrounding properties, woodland, and access.

6. Encroachment on Woodland: The development threatens encroachment on woodland, which is a natural habitat for local wildlife.

 Such encroachment threatens biodiversity, disrupts wildlife habitats, and environmental protection guidelines.

7. Construction Disruption:

 If approved, the development will cause significant disruption to residents and wildlife habitats due to noise, dust, and traffic in the area.

8. Traffic and Highway Safety: The addition of six houses will result in increased traffic, creating potential safety hazards for pedestrians and existing residents. The parking provision appears inadequate, likely leading to congestion on local roads.

Considering the above concerns, we respectfully request that this application be refused. We would appreciate confirmation of receipt of this objection and any further updates regarding the status of the application.

Yours sincerely,

Harold Hill Deer Aid

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