Havering Council’s strategic planning committee are set to discuss initial plans for a major new development in Romford at a meeting on Thursday (September 11).
The proposals are for the demolition of the former Homebase store in Davidson Way, followed by the construction of approximately 600 new homes, a public park, a new primary school and commercial spaces.
As these plans are currently at pre-application stage, no specific details have been provided on the development’s design and its layout could still change.
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However, a council report on the scheme reveals that the proposal at this stage is to have three main courtyard blocks, with the tallest stretching to 16 storeys.
The primary school – proposed to be available to children in a wider catchment area beyond the development – would be situated in the south-east corner of the site, alongside the public park.
At this stage, the housing mix put forward is for around 252 one-bedroom and 252 two-bedroom flats, and 96 three-bedroom flats.
The Homebase sign after the store’s closure (Image: Charlotte Anderson)
The proposals have already been presented to Havering’s quality review panel (QRP), who provided feedback on the arrangement of the blocks and the need for a community space close to the school.
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They also commented that “more thought” was needed for the drop-off and collection of pupils, given that the school is expected to serve a larger catchment area.
Any concerns raised by the strategic planning committee on Thursday are set to be taken back to the QRP for a second review on October 7.
Homebase Romford shut for good in January this year after the DIY and garden centre chain entered administration in November 2024.
After the administrators were appointed, The Range owner CDS Superstores bought up to 70 stores, with a further 10 bought by Sainsbury’s and another five by B&Q.
However, administrators Teneo could not find buyers for 13 stores – including the Romford branch in Davidson Way – leaving the store to close permanently.
