Havering Council's recent approval to construct 34 new homes in Hornchurch has sparked considerable debate among residents, reflecting the persistent tension between urban development and community concerns. The plans focus on transforming the Dorrington Gardens car park, identified as one of several underused spaces, into a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, alongside three-bedroom family homes. This project contributes to a broader initiative within the borough to address a pressing housing shortage, characterised by increasing demand which, as highlighted in a 2024 council report, has begun to "quickly outpace" supply.
The plans, as proposed by Mercury Land Holdings—a wholly owned subsidiary of Havering Council—assert that the existing car park, with just 17 of its 196 spaces occupied daily, is underutilised. This argument for repurposing is underscored by a borough-wide reassessment of land use in the face of a growing housing crisis. However, the scheme has been met with considerable local dissent, receiving over 40 objections from residents who fear that the new development could overwhelm local infrastructure. Concerns regarding parking availability, local business viability, and potential traffic issues were frequently raised during consultations, as residents expressed worries about "unsafe" parking spilling into adjacent side streets.
Labour councillor Jane Keane acknowledged these concerns but emphasised the accessibility of Hornchurch via public transport. Speaking during the planning meeting, she remarked, “Hornchurch town centre is well-served by buses… and we are also within walking distance of a reasonably good train service.” Despite her support for the project, she argued a missed opportunity in limiting the height of the buildings to two storeys, suggesting that more could be done with the available land.
Interestingly, the approved development does not include any units deemed 'affordable', a point the council’s planning officers noted as "regrettable" yet acceptable given the circumstances. This absence of affordable housing is particularly contentious, considering ongoing discussions in the wider community about the pressing need for housing solutions that cater to low-to-moderate income households. Previous developments in the area, such as six new homes approved in Keswick Avenue, also faced scrutiny, highlighting a pattern of resistance to significant changes in the local landscape.
In addition to the specificities of the Hornchurch site, Havering Council's broader strategy to convert underused car parks into housing has been met with mixed reactions, illustrating a shift toward maximising land usage while grappling with infrastructural realities. The council’s decision to transfer multiple sites to Mercury Land Holdings for development has raised questions. Critics have pointed out the lack of a cohesive business plan and the potential repercussions for community cohesion, suggesting that local communities might not adequately absorb the additional population density.
As the consultation process continues, the local community remains divided. On one hand, the urgent need for new homes is clear; on the other, the implications for the existing neighbourhood infrastructure and character are equally significant. As Havering addresses its housing crisis, the outcome of this particular development at Dorrington Gardens might set a precedent for future projects across the borough.
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Source: Noah Wire Services