Como Street Havering: Uncertainty Over Affordable Homes Plan

Key Points

• Councillors were unable to specify how many of the new homes in the Como Street development will be affordable.
• The proposal includes up to 137 homes across four buildings and three townhouses.
• The site currently is a car park suffering from fly-tipping and is underused.
• The project has been revised multiple times following community feedback, particularly on height and scale.
• Mercury Land Holdings, owned by Havering Council, is the developer.
• Residents and some councillors have raised concerns about the impact on local character and size of development.
• The scheme aims to be car-free with limited parking for Blue Badge holders.
• This development is part of a wider strategy including a proposed 106-home scheme at Angel Way car park.

Why can’t councillors say how many new homes will be affordable in the Como Street development?

Councillors overseeing the Como Street housing project in Havering were not able to confirm the exact number of new homes that would be designated as affordable. Jonathan Leaver from Your Thurrock reported that during discussions, councillors admitted they could not specify how many of the planned 137 homes would fall under the affordable category. This lack of clarity has caused concern among residents and opposition councillors who view affordable housing as a critical component in addressing the borough’s housing needs.

What is included in the housing proposal for Como Street?

The development proposal, as outlined by Havering Council early this year, envisages up to 137 new residential units across four buildings, with heights ranging from four to nine storeys, supplemented by three new three-storey townhouses. The plan also includes approximately 350 square metres of commercial floor space, including five separate units designed for community use, such as cafes, and a large public square intended to foster community interaction. Mercury Land Holdings, a company fully owned by the council, is leading this regeneration project.

The area currently serves as a car park that suffers from chronic fly-tipping and is essentially underutilised. The development aims to replace this neglected site with a vibrant, mixed-use area offering new housing options and improved public spaces.

How have residents and councillors reacted to the development plans?

Residents have expressed significant concerns about the size and scale of the development, particularly the height of the buildings and the impact on local character. Sebastian Mann, covering Havering politics, noted that some residents prefer lower-rise, two-storey family homes rather than flats reaching up to nine storeys, fearing that taller buildings would disrupt the existing neighbourhood’s appearance and atmosphere.

Opposition councillors have echoed these points and have criticised the lack of clear affordable housing figures. They argue that the administration should ensure the development meets the urgent housing needs of the community without overwhelming the area with overdevelopment.

By contrast, Graham Williamson, Havering’s Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration, emphasised the council’s responsiveness to community feedback. Williamson thanked residents for their input, which led to substantial revisions of the original plans, including a reduction in building heights from an initial proposal of up to 14 storeys down to a maximum of nine. Williamson stated the council remains committed to delivering homes and amenities while protecting the character of Romford’s town centre.

What challenges and priorities are shaping Havering’s housing strategy?

Havering Council faces financial and social pressures related to housing. Last year saw an overspend of £6 million due to emergency hotel accommodation for homeless residents, adding to a £74 million budget gap. This situation increases the urgency to supply affordable housing through developments such as Como Street and the Angel Way site, where another 106 homes are planned.

The council’s broader regeneration strategy aims to convert underutilised land in Romford, such as car parks, into housing that addresses local demand and fits within transport sustainability goals.

What other developments are part of Havering’s regeneration efforts?

Alongside the Como Street scheme, Havering is promoting redevelopment of the Angel Way multi-storey car park site for 106 homes, commercial units, and community facilities. Mercury Land Holdings is also leading this nearby project. Both schemes fall under the council’s Asset Disposal Programme 2022-2028, which seeks to maximise land value for housing delivery while improving community infrastructure.

How will transport and sustainability be addressed in the Como Street development?

The Como Street project is designed to be car-free, with residents not permitted parking permits to discourage car use and promote sustainable transport. Five parking spaces will be reserved exclusively for Blue Badge holders. The site benefits from its proximity to multiple bus stops within a five-minute walk and a train station about 15 minutes away, aligning with the council’s goals of reducing traffic congestion and enhancing public transport use.

How have the developers responded to local concerns and the planning process?

Christopher Hobbs, director of Mercury Land Holdings, expressed satisfaction with the final planning application submitted in August, highlighting how community feedback shaped the development. Hobbs acknowledged that working closely with residents has been vital in ensuring the scheme meets local aspirations and delivers much-needed housing in Romford.

Some adjacent residents remain concerned about the impact of new flats on privacy due to potential overlooking, but the council maintains that regenerating the fly-tipped and underused site is essential for the area’s long-term welfare.

What is the current status and next step for the development?

Following months of consultation and revisions, Havering Council submitted the planning application for the Como Street development in August 2025. The proposal is awaiting review by the Strategic Planning Committee, which will provide further scrutiny before a final decision and the commencement of construction.