The planning committee has refused the proposal relating to Havering Park Stables in Bower Farm Road.
The planning application, made by Adam Smyth & Richard Harris of Havering Park Stables, sought permission for the “conversion of existing building to form two residential dwellings and alterations to enlarge the retained residential dwelling”.
It also proposed the “demolition of the remaining buildings and structures on the site and construction of six residential dwellings together with associated car parking, landscaping, highways and infrastructure works”.
Havering Park Stables is formed of 14 buildings varying in sizes, 13 of which described as “outdated riding and stable buildings” were planned to be demolished.
A design and access statement revealed plans to retain the heritage riding school at the front of the site.
Among the remaining buildings is the original coach house and stable block for Havering Park.
Architects Front Architecture Ltd wrote: “The main house (now demolished) and the surrounding park were built in 1850s by David McIntosh on the site of the historic royal residence of Havering Palace.
“The stable block was constructed at the same time as the main house and is one of the few surviving buildings of the former estate, together with White Lodge and the walls of the walled gardens.”
If approved, the redevelopment of the site would have seen new homes introduced to the area, ranging between two, and four to five-bed properties.
However the council has now refused the application, citing a long list of reasons as to why.
These included fears that the development would have a negative impact on the surrounding area.
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Havering Council wrote: “The proposed development would form a harmful urbanisation of the site which would have a material adverse impact on the openness of the green belt in this location.
“In the absence of any very special circumstances which would outweigh the harm, by reason of inappropriateness and substantial harm to openness, the proposed development is unacceptable in principle.
“The proposals would…give rise to an unacceptable form of development, which also diminishes the positive contribution the site currently makes to the significance of Havering-Atte-Bower Conservation Area.”
