A planning application was submitted for the change of use of unit 2A of Romford Shopping Hall from commercial use to learning and non-residential use on February 24.
Despite sharing an address, the site of the application is not owned by Romford Shopping Hall and was previously a physiotherapy unit.
B2B Educators operates in Clements Road, Ilford but had planned to close this branch if the proposed move to Romford had been accepted.
Havering Council claimed the proposal could result in “unsatisfactory use by way of noise, disturbance and inadequate facilities” which “would be to the detriment of the amenity of the existing neighbouring properties, future occupiers, and the continued operation of neighbouring occupiers”.
Another reason for the refusal was that the plan “fails to provide inclusive and sustainable forms of transport for the proposed users of the facility” due to a lack of “disabled car parking space and cycle spaces”.
Unit 2A, which B2B Educators had planned to move into, and unit 2B of Romford Shopping Hall, in Market Place, are listed for sale on Rightmove as a “fully let investment”.
The listing does not make it clear who the tenants of unit 2B are, but says that it is fitted out with an “open-plan reception area with interview rooms” and office accommodation at the back.
B2B Educators has been contacted for a comment since the plan was refused.
In March, Dr. Attique Ur Rehman Shafq, director of the company, told the Recorder: “We believe there is great potential in Havering, and we are eager to contribute positively to the community by opening a branch in Romford.
“Our primary focus is to equip individuals with vocational skills that significantly increase their job prospects, thus reducing the number of jobless individuals in the area.”
Dr. Attique claimed that Romford would become the “main premises” and he was “particularly excited” as he is a resident of Romford.
He added: “After the move, we are looking forward to exploring potential collaborations with the job centre and the local council.
“We are committed to providing the best possible support to the local community and playing a positive role through skill-based vocational training programs and short courses.”
