Dorrington Gardens was one of four car parks earmarked by Havering Council for new homes by last year amid a borough-wide housing shortage.
The new estate would be made up of one- and two-bedroom flats, and three-bedroom family homes.
Twenty-two apartments would be spread over two three-storey blocks.
Mercury Land Holdings, a homebuilder wholly owned by Havering Council, argued housing would be a better use of the land and the 188-space car park was “surplus” to motorists’ needs.
According to council data, an average of just 17 bays are used each day.
The scheme received more than 40 objections from residents, who raised concerns about the potential strain it could put on local infrastructure.
They said reducing parking spaces could impact businesses and lead to “unsafe” parking on adjacent side streets.
Council officers argued any overspill would be negligible and the development would encourage residents to move away from driving.
The council’s strategic planning committee voted on May 8 to approve the plans.
Labour councillor Jane Keane said she understood why ward councillors were concerned about the loss of cars, but Hornchurch was well served by public transport.
She continued: “Hornchurch town centre is well-served by buses – you probably couldn’t get a better town centre. We are also within walking distance of a reasonably good train service, the District line, which will take you in and out of central London.”
However, she said the council was “losing an opportunity” by capping the buildings at two storeys and said it was still not a “good enough” use of the available land.
None of the homes will be ‘affordable’ – aimed at low-to-moderate income households – which planning officers said was “regrettable” but acceptable.
The town hall first began looking to convert car parks in 2023 amid a growing shortage of homes.
In June 2024, a council report revealed that demand for housing in the borough was “quickly outpacing” supply.
Plans for six new homes in Keswick Avenue, in Hornchurch, were approved last April – but early proposals for a tower block in Como Street have been met with heavy opposition.
The nearest council-owned car parks are in Billet Lane, Fentiman Way and Appleton Way.
