The Keswick Avenue and Dorrington Gardens car parks in Hornchurch – which the council say are underused – will shut in January and March, respectively.
Some 34 new homes, a mix of homes and flats, will be built in Dorrington Gardens, while six new three-bed homes will go up in Keswick Avenue.
Council leader Councillor Ray Morgon said: “Delivering new homes for local people is a top priority for our administration, and these developments in Hornchurch by Mercury Land Holdings (MLH) are an important step toward meeting that need.”
The town hall first began looking to convert car parks in 2023 amid a growing shortage of homes. Last summer, a council report revealed that demand for housing in the borough was “quickly outpacing” supply
Permission was granted for Keswick Avenue last April, while Dorrington Gardens was approved the next month – despite more than 40 objections.
Other schemes have proven controversial.
Early plans for 137 homes in Como Street has been met with sustained opposition from locals, who have called it unsuitable for the area and a potential strain on local infrastructure.
There will still be places to park in Hornchurch, including Fentiman Way, Billet Lane and Appleton Way car parks, as well as those in Sainsbury’s and Lidl.
The council is also trialling a new parking scheme in Fentiman Way and Appleton Way. Motorists will pay a flat £1 charge for up to two hours, which replaces the current free 30-minute period.
Havering hopes it will boost trade in the town centre, with Cllr Morgon adding: “We know how vital it is to support local traders and maintain a thriving town centre.
“That’s why we’re working closely with business owners and residents to ensure that the car parking pilot and these closures are managed in a way that keeps Hornchurch accessible and vibrant for everyone.”
