Two ward councillors have reacted to the submission of applications to turn a Romford business park into an 840-home development and school – with residents urged to have their say.
Plans to demolish the Rom Valley Way Retail Park and Seedbed Centre have been ongoing for some time, with an initial application filed in 2020 before being withdrawn the following year.
At a strategic planning committee last July, a new pre-application came under scrutiny, with concerns raised including limited parking spaces, leisure facilities and whether a GP surgery should be built.
The Recorder reported earlier this week how two applications, one for the masterplan and another for the school, have now been submitted by Romford LLP, a joint venture between investment firms Portland Capital and Mitheridge.
- READ MORE: Plans for 840-home Rom Valley Way development go live
- READ MORE: Rom Valley Way: Romford society praises ‘thoughtful tenor of discussion’ around 860-home pre-application
In addition to the homes, the plans also include almost 3,000sqm of commercial space, with existing businesses to be relocated within the new site, space for retail, café and restaurant use, a new primary school and an area for a medical facility if required.
Cllr Judith Holt (Con, St Albans), one of the two ward councillors, said that having attended a number of planning meetings on the site, “I am pleased the developers have considered my particular concerns about the height of the buildings, parking, play spaces, general infrastructure and heritage.
“I will continue to work with them to ensure the best outcome of this development for the people of Romford."
The other St Albans councillor, Jane Keane (Lab), added that she welcomed the applications and is calling on those with an interest in the site to comment on the submissions.
She said: "This is now the time for Romford residents and local businesses to have their say on the formal consultation on the validated planning applications.
"Since the outcome of this process will determine Romford’s appeal as a great place to grow up, it is essential that people submit their views whatever they may be.”
Tim Simpson, partner at Mitheridge Capital Management LLP, said the proposal will deliver “much needed high-quality new homes”, while also upgrading the business workspace.
He added, as well as amenities such as the school, the site "will be far greener than it is currently, with an increase in trees and plants and enhancements to the local biodiversity, including for the River Rom.”
If approved, the new development would be one of several to potentially be built around Rom Valley Way.
These include the consented work on the former Romford Ice Rink, the Waterloo Road estate, plus Bridge Close, with an application expected for that later this year.
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Andrew Curtin, chair of the Romford Civic Society, said it is vital the plans “are seen together with neighbouring planned developments along Rom Valley Way.
“It is particularly important that there are coherent and linked spaces running through them all and a properly planned approach is taken to the river and biodiversity.”
View the applications online on Havering Council’s planning portal, using the reference P2072.22 for the masterplan, and P2071.22 for the school.
Do you believe the proposed development is necessary for Romford, or do you have concerns? If so, what are they? Get in touch at ben.lynch@newsquest.co.uk.
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