Havering Council’s Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 27 February 2025 and granted planning permission 138 new affordable homes on land off Chippenham Road and Kings Lynn Drive.
The homes represent phase two of the Harold Hill Town Centre vision aimed at revitalising the area with high-quality new shops and services, sustainable housing and enhanced public and green spaces, and forms part of the £1.5 billion 12 Estates regeneration programme in partnership between Wates and Havering Council.
A range of 1–4 bedroom properties will be made available, each designed to be attractive to smaller and growing families who need more space.
A proportion of the new homes will be specially designed for wheelchair users or those with other disabilities and a further 22 homes will be specially designated for local young people who are preparing to move from care into living independently, providing them with a safe and supportive environment.
Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration, commented:
"This approval marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to regenerate Harold Hill.
"The plans for Chippenham Road represent a transformational scheme that will revitalise a tired part of the town centre into a thriving residential community.
"It is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver safe, sustainable and affordable housing for its residents.”
The plans have been submitted following an extensive period of engagement with the local community, including two rounds of public consultation on the Chippenham Road proposals, in July 2023 and again in April 2024.
One of the key takeaways from the process was a focus on community spaces ensuring shared areas are safe for all to enjoy.
Whilst the plans include private gardens for future tenants, a dedicated community garden will also be delivered with allotments for growing, comfortable seating and public play areas.
These green, accessible spaces, filled with trees, flower beds, bug hotels and bird boxes, will support local wildlife and become the heart of the neighbourhood, bringing different generations together.
Hugh Jeffery, Regional Development Director at Wates Residential, added:
"We are proud to be working with Havering Council on this landmark regeneration project.
"As well as providing much-needed new homes, the scheme has been an opportunity to put sustainability at the heart of design, creating safe, green, accessible spaces that represent a new chapter for Harold Hill.”
Works on site will start with the demolition of the existing buildings later this year, including the Alderman Pub, with construction expected to commence winter 2025.
The first residents are anticipated to move in by mid-2026, including all Council tenants that have moved out of the estate to allow the regeneration to take place; known as the ‘right to return’.
Chippenham Road is Phase Two of the wider regeneration plans for Harold Hill Town Centre, which is being delivered in three phases.
Phase One will see the delivery of a new Family Welcome Centre on the site of the former Abercrombie Hostel.
This received planning permission in July 2022 and construction is now underway.
The Centre is scheduled to open in Spring 2026.
Phase Three covers the Farnham and Hilldene Estate, with plans to revitalise the heart of the town into a family-friendly, safe, and sustainable place for local businesses, shoppers, visitors, and residents.
The planning application is expected to be submitted in spring 2025.