A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of RTB Roofing Supplies in Rainham Road and another building behind it.
If approved, the space would be replaced by a three storey building with a commercial unit on the ground floor and five flats in total on the second and third floors.
According to a planning document submitted by agent Stephensons on behalf of applicant Mr Choda, the ground floor unit is “sized to suit a local supermarket such as Co-op, Tesco or Sainsbury’s” and “expressions of interest have been made to the current owner”.
MORE NEWS: Phone shop in Romford town centre could be split to welcome new beauty salon
The site currently comprises a single storey building used by RTB Roofing Supplies.
Looking at Google Maps images, the business has been in operation in Rainham Road since 2019 and appears to be in operation still.
The proposal takes inspiration from the neighbouring properties: Jack’s Cafe at 145 and Chinese restaurant New Cherries Rainham at 149.
Both of these have homes on the first floor.
A planning application for this site was approved in 2011 seeking to demolish the existing shop and construct a three storey building with a shop on the ground floor.
MORE NEWS: Romford B&B could become seven-bed HMO
The recent document said: “The approved planning (in 2011) confirmed that a retail use on the ground floor with residential flats would be acceptable in principle.
“This should be seen as a material consideration.”
This application “relates well” to the 2011 approval and the space has been redesigned to apply with updated standards.
The crown roof being proposed to the front building was acceptable in 2011 and “will not be harmful to the street scene”.
The planning document claims that the pay and display car park on the corner of Rainham Road and South End Road was also deemed acceptable for the shortfall in parking for the retail unit in 2011.
The front forecourt will be retained and this “will give spaces for customers”.
A decision is expected to be made by Havering Council by August 21.
RTB Roofing Supplies has been contacted for comment.
