Key Points:
- Havering Council completes first-ever loft conversion into a residential unit
- Project aims to address the urgent need for social housing in the borough
- The converted loft is now a modern, comfortable living space for a Havering tenant
- Councillor Paul McGeary says the initiative reflects a sustainable approach to housing
- The Council is exploring more such conversions and two-bedroom developments
- Ties into broader housing strategy including plans for 18 temporary modular homes in Romford
Havering Council has successfully converted an unused loft space into a fully functioning home, marking the first project of its kind as part of the borough’s growing social housing strategy. The initiative is seen as a resourceful and cost-effective response to housing shortages across the east London borough.
Why has Havering Council converted a loft into housing?
The conversion project is part of Havering Council’s broader effort to expand its social housing stock by making full use of existing properties. By transforming underutilised lofts into habitable spaces, the Council is seeking innovative ways to ease housing pressures.
The newly converted loft now serves as a comfortable, modern home for a tenant, according to the Council. It forms part of a wider housing strategy aimed at increasing availability of sustainable and affordable housing for residents in need.
What did Councillor Paul McGeary say about the project?
Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing Property and Harold Hill ward councillor, praised the initiative. He stated:
“We are dedicated to creating sustainable and affordable housing options for our residents, and this project is a prime example of how we can achieve that goal.
This conversion adds valuable space to help repurpose a hard-to-rent property into a more desirable and fit-for-purpose living space for a Havering resident.”
Councillor McGeary also emphasised that this is just the beginning of a broader strategy to maximise the borough’s existing housing assets:
“This project complements Havering Council’s broader strategy to increase social housing availability and this is one example that uses a resourceful approach.”
How does this fit into Havering’s broader housing plans?
This loft conversion is not a standalone measure. It forms part of a more comprehensive plan by the Council to expand affordable housing. The planned works team is actively researching future opportunities for similar conversions and potential two-bedroom property developments.
Additionally, this comes after Havering Council submitted planning proposals last month for 18 temporary modular homes at the Waterloo and Queen Street site in Romford. These modular homes aim to provide more stable and appropriate accommodation for homeless families within the borough.
What does this mean for residents in Havering?
For many residents facing housing insecurity, initiatives like the loft conversion offer hope. By repurposing existing infrastructure rather than building from scratch, Havering Council can act quickly and efficiently to meet demand.
The Council’s ongoing efforts signal a shift toward more adaptable and sustainable housing policies—an approach that other local authorities may watch closely.
Curious how Havering’s housing innovations could impact your neighbourhood? Keep an eye on local council updates and planning submissions to learn how space around you might be transformed.
