Key Points:
- Redbridge Council faces backlash over plans for 100 homes on Stratford Newtown Wesleyan Sports Ground in Barkingside.
- The council’s £30,000 pre-application planning advice to developer Stonebond sparks controversy.
- Local residents, including the Ville & Leafe Residents Association (VLRA), have launched petitions and criticised the lack of public consultation.
- Community members argue the development threatens green space and local wildlife, causing anxiety among residents.
- Redbridge Council claims the planning application has not been approved yet and will be reviewed by the planning committee in a public meeting.
- Developer Stonebond defends the project, citing the need for affordable housing in the area.
A proposal to build over 100 new homes on the Stratford Newtown Wesleyan Sports Ground in Barkingside has sparked widespread opposition from local residents. Redbridge Council has come under fire for guiding developer Stonebond through the planning process, despite admitting that the project contradicts local planning policy. This revelation, uncovered through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the Ville & Leafe Residents Association (VLRA), has caused anger among the community, who fear the loss of vital green space.
Why are residents opposed to the development?
Many Barkingside residents argue that the proposed housing development would result in the loss of green space that is important for the local environment and wildlife. The Stratford Newtown Wesleyan Sports Ground, cherished by the community, provides a habitat for birds, bats, and rabbits. Campaigners argue that the development could lead to an increase in traffic congestion and further exacerbate local pollution issues.
Ayesha Armin, representing the VLRA, criticised the limited public consultation efforts, claiming that the council’s lack of transparency and the “superficial” engagement with the community undermines trust. “This has caused us a lot of harm as a community,” she said. “It’s not just about one development—it is about transparency, fairness, and the integrity of our local planning process.”
How has Redbridge Council responded to the backlash?
Redbridge Council maintains that no decision has been made on the planning application for the Stratford Newtown Wesleyan Sports Ground. A spokesperson stated that the planning committee would review the proposal at a public meeting, where residents could voice their opinions. They also clarified that pre-application advice is provided for all developments, helping developers comply with local planning policies.
The council is also offering concessions to low-income residents in the borough, and residents will have further opportunities to engage with the process as the application moves forward.
What is the developer’s position on the issue?
Stonebond, the developer behind the proposed housing development, has defended the plan, asserting that it would provide 100% affordable homes to help address the significant housing shortage in Redbridge. A spokesperson for the company stated that they had followed the necessary procedures for community engagement and consulted with the local authority and stakeholders. They argued that the development could benefit the area by contributing to the availability of affordable housing for the borough’s residents.
What are the next steps in the planning process?
A final decision on the planning application for the Barkingside development is expected to be made by Redbridge’s planning committee on April 24. In the meantime, the VLRA continues to gather public support for its petition, which has already garnered over 3,000 signatures. Local MP Wes Streeting has met with campaigners, but has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
As the planning process continues, the fate of the beloved green space hangs in the balance, with the community and local officials preparing for further debates and discussions.
