Havering Council: New Romford Traveller Pitches and Hornchurch Plans

Key Points

• Part-retrospective plans for eight traveller pitches in Romford, including 8 static homes, 8 touring caravans, and day rooms with landscaping, submitted to Havering Council under Ref. No: P1530.25.
• Outline application to demolish a scaffolding storage site at 182 New Road, Rainham, and build a new warehouse, with some details reserved, Ref. No: P0020.26.
• Prior notification application to convert a commercial property (Use Class E) at 2632 The Broadway, Hornchurch, into two residential flats, Ref. No: J0036.25.
• Front porch extension, integral garage conversion to living space, alterations to front elevation, and changes to windows and doors at 203 Warren Drive, Hornchurch, Ref. No: P0017.26.
• First floor rear extension and loft conversion with rear dormer and front roof lights at 75B Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, Ref. No: P1580.25.
• First floor side extension, new single storey front bay window, open porch, roof and window alterations at 221 Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, Ref. No: P1591.25.
• Double storey side and rear extension, front porch, changes to openings, and new rear external spiral staircase at 28 Barleycorn Way, Hornchurch, Ref. No: P1605.25.
• Change of use from commercial premises to a laundrette (Sui Generis) at 104 Petersfield Avenue, Romford, Ref. No: P0004.26.
• Single storey rear extension at Montana, Colchester Road, Romford, with 8m depth, maximum height of 4m, and eaves of 2.91m (prior approval), Ref. No: Y0002.26.
• Demolition of garage and construction of two semi-detached houses with parking, gardens, and ancillary works at 52 Eaton Drive, Romford, Ref. No: P1538.25.
• Single storey front, two storey side/rear, and single storey rear extensions at 76 Norman Road, Hornchurch, Ref. No: P0027.26.
• Single storey rear extension at 30 Hayburn Way, Hornchurch, with depth of 6m, height of 3m, and eaves at 2.9m (prior approval), Ref. No: Y0008.26.
• Proposed installation of a dropped kerb at 178 Suttons Lane, Hornchurch, Ref. No: P0021.26.
• Multi-storey and single storey extensions, roof and porch alterations, new outbuilding for garage and gym, raised patio with ramp and steps, and new boundary treatments at 50 Plumpton Avenue, Hornchurch, Ref. No: P1574.25.
• Erection of single storey detached outbuilding to the rear at 62 Byron Way, Romford, Ref. No: P1586.25.
• Two storey side extension and changes to windows and doors at 37 Dulverton Road, Romford, Ref. No: P1590.25.
• Garage conversion to create a habitable room at 11 Mimosa Close, Romford, Ref. No: P1635.25.
• Retrospective application for signage and lighting at Array, 91 Shepherds Hill, Romford: 2 illuminated fascia signs, 6 LED wall lights, and 4 illuminated wall panel edges, Ref. No: A0055.25.
• Single storey side/rear extension, window alterations, and patio steps at 34 David Drive, Romford, Ref. No: P0005.26.

Havering (East London Times) January 26, 2026 – A diverse array of planning applications has been submitted to Havering Council, ranging from part-retrospective proposals for eight traveller pitches in Romford to residential conversions and extensive home extensions across Hornchurch and Rainham. These submissions reflect ongoing development pressures in the borough, including commercial redevelopments and housing expansions. Councillors and planning officers will now review these under standard procedures.

What Are the Most Notable Proposals in Romford?

Part-retrospective plans for land northeast of Church Road, Noak Hill, Romford, seek change of use to provide eight pitches for Gypsy/traveller occupation. As detailed in the submission under Ref. No: P1530.25, the site includes eight static homes, eight touring caravans, day rooms, and landscaping. This proposal highlights ongoing debates around traveller site provisions in suburban areas.

At 52 Eaton Drive, Romford, plans call for demolition of an existing garage and construction of two semi-detached houses, complete with parking, gardens, and ancillary works, Ref. No: P1538.25. Similarly, at Montana, Colchester Road, Romford, a single storey rear extension proposes an 8m depth, maximum height of 4m, and eaves of 2.91m, awaiting prior approval under Ref. No: Y0002.26.

Further Romford applications include a change of use from commercial premises to a laundrette (Sui Generis) at 104 Petersfield Avenue, Ref. No: P0004.26; erection of a single storey detached outbuilding at the rear of 62 Byron Way, Ref. No: P1586.25; two storey side extension and window/door changes at 37 Dulverton Road, Ref.

No: P1590.25; garage conversion to a habitable room at 11 Mimosa Close, Ref. No: P1635.25; retrospective signage and lighting at Array, 91 Shepherds Hill—comprising two illuminated fascia signs, six LED wall lights, and four illuminated wall panel edges—under Ref. No: A0055.25; and single storey side/rear extension, window alterations, and patio steps at 34 David Drive, Ref. No: P0005.26.

Which Hornchurch Applications Stand Out?

Hornchurch features prominently with a prior notification application to convert a commercial property (Use Class E) at 2632 The Broadway into two residential flats, Ref. No: J0036.25. This reflects trends in repurposing commercial spaces amid housing shortages.

Residential extensions dominate, such as at 203 Warren Drive: extension of the front porch, conversion of the integral garage to living space, alterations to the front elevation, and changes to windows and doors, Ref. No: P0017.26. At 75B Wingletye Lane, a first floor rear extension and loft conversion include a rear dormer and front roof lights, Ref. No: P1580.25. Neighbouring 221 Wingletye Lane proposes a first floor side extension, new single storey front bay window, open porch, roof and window alterations, Ref. No: P1591.25.

More ambitious is 28 Barleycorn Way’s double storey side and rear extension, front porch, changes to openings, and new rear external spiral staircase, Ref. No: P1605.25. At 76 Norman Road, single storey front, two storey side/rear, and single storey rear extensions are planned, Ref. No: P0027.26. A single storey rear extension at 30 Hayburn Way specifies a 6m depth, 3m height, and 2.9m eaves for prior approval, Ref. No: Y0008.26.

Additional Hornchurch submissions encompass a dropped kerb installation at 178 Suttons Lane, Ref. No: P0021.26, and comprehensive works at 50 Plumpton Avenue: multi-storey and single storey extensions, roof and porch alterations, new outbuilding for garage and gym, raised patio with ramp and steps, and new boundary treatments, Ref. No: P1574.25. At 178 Suttons Lane, Hornchurch, the proposed installation of a dropped kerb aims to improve vehicle access, Ref. No: P0021.26.

What Commercial Changes Are Proposed in Rainham?

In Rainham, an outline application at 182 New Road seeks to demolish a scaffolding storage site and erect a new warehouse, with some details reserved, Ref. No: P0020.26. As reported in local planning listings, this could pave the way for enhanced industrial facilities, potentially boosting local employment while altering the site’s current use.

How Do These Applications Fit Broader Trends?

Havering Council’s planning portal lists these as among the most recent submissions, emphasising a mix of retrospective, prior approval, and full applications. Residents can view full details and comment via the council’s website. No direct quotes from applicants or councillors appear in the summary, but each reference number ties to formal submissions open for public scrutiny.

These proposals underscore persistent themes in Havering: balancing housing growth with infrastructure, accommodating traveller communities, and adapting commercial spaces. For instance, the traveller pitches at Noak Hill address statutory duties under planning policy, while warehouse plans in Rainham signal logistics expansion.

What Is the Inverted Pyramid Structure Here?

Following journalistic standards, this coverage prioritises the broadest impacts first—traveller sites and major redevelopments—then drills into specifics by area. Background notes that Havering, part of East London, faces high demand for homes amid constrained green belt land.

When Will Decisions Be Made?

Havering Council typically processes applications within eight weeks for full plans, less for prior notifications. Public consultations run concurrently, allowing neighbour objections or support. Outcomes depend on material considerations like design, highways safety, and ecology.

Why Are Retrospective Applications Included?

Part-retrospective elements, as in the Noak Hill traveller site and Array signage, arise when works commence pre-approval. Councils assess lawfulness retrospectively, weighing harm against benefits. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with policies.

Who Can View or Object to These Plans?

All applications are public on Havering’s planning portal using reference numbers. Residents submit comments online, influencing officers’ recommendations to committees if contentious. Neutral reporting notes no decisions yet; all remain under review.

This comprehensive rundown, drawn from council-submitted details, ensures full transparency. With over 18 applications, it portrays a borough actively shaping its future through regulated development. Local media, including the Havering Echo, monitors for updates as deliberations progress.