Plans For 500 Homes In Harold Hill To Be Approved This Week.

‘Havering Council is keen to see more housing built in the borough, amid a worsening shortage. Due to a lack of available homes, Havering is forced to pay to keep at-risk residents in expensive bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation‘

Plans for almost 500 new homes in Havering are due to be approved this week, writes local democracy reporter Sebastian Mann.

Proposals for 481 homes to be built in the Farnham and Hilldene estate, in Harold Hill, will go before the strategic planning committee tonight- Thursday 13th November.

Half of the homes will be ‘affordable,’ aimed at low-to-moderate income households.

Speaking ahead of the committee meeting, Councillor Graham Williamson, cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: “If approved, this project will deliver high-quality homes and contribute to the revitalisation of Harold Hill’s heart, creating a sustainable, welcoming environment for Havering residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Havering Council is keen to see more housing built in the borough, amid a worsening shortage. Due to a lack of available homes, Havering is forced to pay to keep at-risk residents in expensive bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation.

It is one of the biggest financial strains on the cash-strapped council and led to a £6.1million overspend last year.

On top of the new homes, the council has also laid out plans for the creation of “new retail spaces, a vibrant public square, and flexible community facilities”.

Paul Nicholls, regional managing director for Wates Residential London, added: “This next phase of regeneration in Harold Hill is a significant milestone in our shared ambition to deliver high-quality, affordable homes for local people.

“We are excited to create vibrant new neighbourhoods where communities can thrive.

“The proposals have been shaped by local voices, and we remain committed to working closely with residents, if approved, to bring this vision to life.”

The redevelopment of Harold Hill town centre is among twelve regeneration schemes, part of the council’s £1.2billion joint project with home-builder Wates.

The current proposals form the third phase of the council’s plans for the Farnham and Hildene estate.

The first involves the construction of the Family Welcome Centre, temporary accommodation for vulnerable residents, on the site of the former Abercrombie Hostel. Phase two saw the development of 138 new homes in Chippenham Road.

If the committee of elected councillors approves the third phase, work is expected to begin in spring next year.

Council tenants who have been displaced during redevelopment will have the right to return once new homes are complete, the town hall says.

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