Valence House Museum, Dagenham moat to be restored

A planning application has been approved for the “repair and restoration” of the moat around Valence House Museum in Becontree Avenue.

The building was once surrounded by a man-made moat on four sides which formed an enclosure protected from predators and poachers, according to planning documents.

The remnants of the moat are located to the north, east and south of Valence House and the moat is “inseparably linked to the significance of the historic property” and the moat’s presence “contributes to the site’s archaeological significance”.

The south moat is empty of water and lies outside the area of this restoration project.

The railings around the north moat will be removed (Image: Google) Documents said the area known as the north moat has a “rich history”, and until the Covid-19 pandemic had been an area accessible to the public.

Due to security concerns, maintenance challenges, and various self-seeded trees that have grown around the moat, railings were erected between Valence House and the moat, removing public access entirely in 2020.

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This was due to the moat edges becoming “unstable and dangerous” because of erosion of the soil below the grass edges, according to documents.

The plans to restore the moat were submitted by Barking and Dagenham Council and were approved on Monday (July 7) with works projected to start in autumn and finish in March next year.

The north moat and Valence House in early-mid 20th century (Image: LBBD Archive & Local Studies) One planning document said: “The moat repairs and re-opening of the garden are the first in a series of other park wide improvements that will make Valence Park even more enjoyable and gradually increase its currently depleted natural diversity.”

Between autumn and March 2026, the railings between Valence House and the north moat will be removed as well as trees, shrubs and the redundant water pump.

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There will also be an investigation of the waterlogged area and an excavation to identify the source of water/ suspected broken pipe.

New grassland will be maintained with wildflower seeding and soft landscaping of meadows and new planting to the moat edge including a reed bed.

Members of the public and visitors to Valence House will then be able to “freely access the moated area for their enjoyment”.

A CGI aerial shot of the site where works will take place (Image: Ludwig Willis Architects) A Barking and Dagenham Council spokesperson said: “The council is delighted to confirm that planning approval was granted for the restoration, and improvement works to the north moat at Valence House Museum.

“The works will improve the historic setting of Valence House, a Grade II* listed building and restore lost views between the house and park.

“The moat is a rare example of a medieval hand-dug moat, first documented in 1650, and an intrinsic part of the hi­­­­­story and heritage of the site.

“These works will address the rehabilitation of the natural habitat of the moat and surrounding landscape, with ecological and biodiversity enhancements including new bank edges and planting, new reed beds, tree and shrub clearance to bring back meadows, open up sight lines, and accessibility.

“This important project will restore public access, improve safety and enable residents and communities to enjoy an area of rich historic significance in the heart of the Becontree Estate now and in the future.”