The proposals first came to light on October 8, 2024 when this paper saw a letter addressed to “residents local to Crowlands Heath Golf Course” detailing that H4Life Ltd had agreed to purchase the golf course.
The letter, signed by H4Life Ltd director Marc Pennick, claimed the club had “struggled financially” over the years and the development company had plans to bring “much needed” homes, infrastructure and sports facilities to the land.
Crowlands Heath Golf Course in Wood Lane is a nine-hole, semi-private course with a driving range but according to the letter it only averages 16 rounds per day in the week and 23 rounds per day on the weekend.
Mr Pennick claimed that these numbers were “not sustainable”.
Around three quarters of the course is in Havering but it was entirely owned by Barking and Dagenham Council and the land leased to Crowlands Heath Golf Club.
On October 14 it was confirmed that Barking and Dagenham Council agreed to sell the land.
Leader of the council Dominic Twomey said the sale could “benefit thousands of people” with new affordable housing.
However, he added he knew “a few residents” who use the golf course and had objected to the sale.
In November a 152 page environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping opinion request was submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council on behalf of H4Life Ltd.
This confirmed that the company is intending to submit a “detailed planning application” to both Havering Council and Barking and Dagenham Council for the proposed development.
It also revealed that if all plans are approved, construction could start late this year (2026) and the works could be completed by 2032.
A spokesperson on behalf of H4Life revealed to this paper there are 10 people employed at the golf course currently and the plans for the redevelopment would generate around 25 new opportunities.
They said: “The new development will provide new jobs through the proposed retail unit and across the community centre and cafe.
“The number of jobs will outstrip the current number of jobs on site.”
The proposed homes will be a range of two, three and four bedrooms and include 60 per cent social housing and 40pc key worker housing.
Multiple play areas, football pitches, an indoor sports facility, a café/bar community centre, retail convenience store, and new bus routes and services have also been proposed.
Four nearby schools and the West Ham United training ground are listed as places that could be impacted by the development.
An official planning application is yet to be submitted.
