The changes include subdividing the building to create a café (Unit A), offering food and drink services, a nail salon (Unit B), providing commercial services, and a women’s-only gym (Class E(d)), focusing on indoor sports, recreation, or fitness.
An agent acting for the applicant submitted the application to the council on December 3, 2025 with a target decision date of February 11, 2026.
The applicant, GLO Hornchurch Limited, is also pushing for the installation of a new shopfront, complete with new black powder-coated aluminium doors and windows.
Moreover, the plan includes putting up new signage, featuring three internally illuminated fascia signs corresponding to each business, and non-illuminated frosted vinyl window signage and manifestations at both ground and first-floor levels.
Regarding the impact of these changes on the available floorspace, there’s expected to be a slight reduction.
The introduction of internal walls and communal areas will lead to the loss of some of the current 955 square metres, with the new units collectively accounting for 922 square metres.
The redevelopment works carry an anticipated cost of up to £2 million, with the project expected to start on the site in March 2026 and wrap up by July 2026.
Noteworthy for neighbouring residents and frequent visitors to the area, there will be no changes to existing vehicular or pedestrian access, no alterations to the current parking – seven spaces will remain – and no additional residential units will be proposed as part of this application.
The development is not taking place on garden land or open space and falls outside of a flood risk area.
It’s estimated the changes could generate about 30 full-time equivalent jobs, adding more employment opportunities to the area.
