107 Affordable Homes Approved Romford 2026

Key Points

• Havering Council has approved plans for 107 new affordable homes on the site of the former Passmore Edwards Library in Romford.
• The development includes a new community space and landscaped public areas to enhance local amenities.
• The project is being led by the Hill Group in partnership with Havering Council, aiming to address the local housing crisis.
• Construction is expected to commence later in 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.
• The homes will consist of a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units, all designated as affordable housing.
• Up to 40% of the units will be for shared ownership, with the remainder for social rent.
• The scheme replaces a derelict library site that has been unused for years, revitalising a key town centre location.
• Local councillors have praised the project for balancing housing needs with community benefits.
• Environmental features include energy-efficient designs, green roofs, and improved biodiversity.
• Public consultation was conducted prior to approval, incorporating resident feedback on design and access.

Romford (East London Times) March 4, 2026 – Havering Council has granted planning permission for 107 new affordable homes on the site of the former Passmore Edwards Library, complete with a new community space and landscaped public areas. This landmark decision, reported initially by Phoebe Jackson-Starbuck of Essex Live, marks a significant step in tackling Romford’s housing shortage while rejuvenating a long-derelict town centre site.​

The approval came during a planning committee meeting on March 3, 2026, where councillors unanimously backed the proposals from the Hill Group in partnership with the council. As detailed by Essex Live, the development will deliver much-needed affordable housing amid rising demand in the Havering borough.

What Does the Development Include?

The project encompasses 107 residential units across a six-storey building, featuring one, two, and three-bedroom flats. According to the planning documents cited by Phoebe Jackson-Starbuck in Essex Live, approximately 40% of the homes will be available through shared ownership schemes, with the balance allocated for social rent to support low-income families.

Beyond housing, the scheme incorporates a ground-floor community hub designed for local groups, events, and services. Landscaped public realms will feature green spaces, seating areas, and improved pedestrian access, enhancing the area’s appeal.

Cllr Adrian Scott, Havering Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, welcomed the plans. As reported by Essex Live, he stated:

“This development is a game-changer for Romford, providing affordable homes and vital community facilities on a site that has lain empty for too long.”

Why Was the Former Library Site Chosen?

The Passmore Edwards Library, built in 1905, closed in 2010 and has since fallen into disrepair, becoming an eyesore in Romford town centre. Essex Live’s coverage highlights how the site was identified in Havering’s Local Plan as suitable for residential redevelopment due to its central location and brownfield status.

Planning officers recommended approval, noting the project’s alignment with national planning policies for affordable housing delivery. Their report, referenced by Phoebe Jackson-Starbuck, emphasised the absence of significant heritage impacts despite the site’s historical value.

Local residents raised concerns during consultation about traffic and parking, but these were mitigated through design adjustments, including cycle storage and proximity to public transport. No objections were upheld at the committee stage.

How Will the Homes Be Affordable?

Affordability is at the core of the scheme, with all 107 units classified under Havering’s affordable housing policy. Shared ownership allows buyers to purchase a 25-75% stake, paying rent on the remainder, making homeownership viable for middle-income earners.

Social rent units will be managed by the council or a housing association, prioritised for those on waiting lists. As per Essex Live, this mix addresses both immediate rental needs and longer-term ownership aspirations in a borough where average house prices exceed £400,000.

Energy efficiency measures, including solar panels, triple glazing, and green roofs, will reduce running costs for residents. The development targets a 31% reduction in carbon emissions compared to baseline standards.

What Community Benefits Are Planned?

The community space will span 300 square metres, suitable for youth clubs, training sessions, and health outreach. Landscaped areas will include native planting, wildflower meadows, and public art, boosting biodiversity and public enjoyment.

Cllr Jason Gould, Chair of the Planning Committee, commented post-approval. According to local reports aggregated from Essex Live, he said:

“We’re not just building homes; we’re investing in Romford’s future with spaces that bring people together.”

Additional benefits include contributions to local infrastructure via Section 106 agreements, funding education, highways, and green spaces elsewhere in Havering.

Who Is Behind the Project?

The Hill Group, a major UK developer specialising in partnerships with local authorities, leads the build. Their portfolio includes similar affordable schemes across London. Havering Council acts as landowner and strategic partner, ensuring policy compliance.

Project director Sarah McMahon of the Hill Group expressed delight. As quoted by Phoebe Jackson-Starbuck in Essex Live:

“We’re committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that meet local needs. This approval is testament to our close collaboration with the council.”

Construction is slated to start in autumn 2026, creating around 200 jobs during the build phase, with priority for local workers.

What Is the Timeline for Completion?

Site preparation will begin shortly after approval, with full construction from Q4 2026. Handover of the first homes is anticipated by mid-2028, subject to no delays.

Planning officers’ report, as covered by Essex Live, outlines phased delivery to minimise disruption: community space first, followed by residential blocks.

Residents can track progress via Havering Council’s planning portal, with regular updates promised.

Were There Any Objections or Concerns?

Public consultation in late 2025 drew 45 responses, mostly supportive but with queries on height, density, and overshadowing. Applicants revised designs, reducing the building height by one metre and adjusting setbacks.

Heritage groups noted the library’s loss but accepted the public benefits outweighed retention challenges. No statutory objections from bodies like Historic England.

Committee members debated density but concluded the town centre location justified it. Cllr Paul McGealy noted:

“Romford needs bold solutions for housing; this fits perfectly,”

per Essex Live.

How Does This Fit Local Housing Needs?

Havering faces a shortfall of over 1,000 affordable units annually, per council data. This project contributes significantly to the borough’s 5-year housing supply target.

It aligns with the Greater London Authority’s ambitions under Mayor Sadiq Khan, though delivered locally. Neutral observers praise the 100% affordable tenure as rare in private-led schemes.

What Are the Environmental Features?

Sustainability is embedded: air-source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and electric vehicle charging points. Biodiversity net gain of 10% is mandated, with bat boxes and swift bricks incorporated.

The landscaped areas will use permeable paving to manage surface water, reducing flood risk.

Broader Impact on Romford?

This approval signals Havering’s proactive stance on brownfield regeneration, potentially unlocking similar sites. Romford town centre, undergoing regeneration via the Romford Shopping Hall revamp, benefits from added footfall.

Local businesses anticipate economic uplift from construction and new residents. Neutral analysts view it as a model for balancing growth with community priorities.

Cllr Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, summed up:

“Affordable housing is our top priority. This delivers for our residents,”

as reported across sources.