Havering Council’s planning team has granted Tal Arc Ltd prior approval to convert Queens Court into 47 new flats.
Prior approval is used for certain types of permitted development, such as changes of use, and means the conversion can go ahead subject to conditions.
These conditions include that the development must be completed within three years of the approval date – but works should not start until a construction method statement is approved by the council.
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The planning officer’s report reveals that this is because “insufficient information” has been supplied with the application to ensure that the works do not have an “adverse impact” on nearby residents.
The proposals previously suffered a setback, with the council refusing an initial prior approval application in February – and instead arguing that a full planning application was needed.
This was partly due to the “potential flood risk” to the site, the council said, particularly the ground floor flats.
However, the current application – submitted in April – included a flood risk assessment, which the planning officer said “suggests the risk from flooding would not cause for concern”.
The officer’s report said: “The officers are now satisfied that the information provided indicates that the proposal complies with the standards.
“It is considered that the application for prior approval should be approved subject to conditions and terms of legal agreement.”
READ MORE: Queens Court, Eastern Road, Romford application for 47 homes
The proposal is for four studios, 40 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom flats across the five floors of the office block in Eastern Road.
A communal lobby is also planned for the ground floor, as well as cycle storage and 12 parking spaces.
Queens Court is occupied by office rental company RMS Serviced Offices, who have more than 30 clients across multiple industries using their building, according to their website.
RMS Serviced Offices were previously contacted for comment but did not respond.
