Key Points:
- Planning application submitted for 481 homes at Farnham and Hilldene estate in Harold Hill, east London
- Project part of the £1.2bn 12 Estates regeneration joint venture between Havering Council and Wates Residential
- Scheme to demolish 117 existing homes from the 1950s estate
- Designed by Collado Collins Architects with 57% affordable housing by habitable room
- 96.3% of residents who voted supported the proposal in a pre-application estate ballot
- Marks third phase of Harold Hill town centre masterplan
- First phase: New family welcome centre under construction
- Second phase: 138 affordable homes at Chippenham Road approved in February
Wates and Havering Council have officially submitted a planning application to regenerate the Farnham and Hilldene estate in Harold Hill, east London, with a 481-home redevelopment scheme. The project is the latest in the ongoing £1.2bn 12 Estates regeneration programme — a long-term joint venture between Havering Council and Wates Residential aimed at delivering 3,500 homes across the borough.
What does the new Harold Hill regeneration plan involve?
The application proposes the complete demolition of the existing 117 homes on the 1950s-built Farnham and Hilldene estate, to make way for a significantly expanded development. Of the 481 new homes planned, 57% will be classified as affordable, measured by habitable room — a key metric used in housing delivery.
Collado Collins Architects have been tasked with the design of the scheme, aiming to deliver a modernised and more spacious living environment in Harold Hill, located in the London Borough of Havering.
Was the Harold Hill community consulted?
Yes. As part of the pre-application process, an estate ballot was held among residents. The turnout reached 49.8%, and of those, an overwhelming 96.3% voted in favour of the proposed redevelopment. This strong level of support is likely to weigh positively in the planning decision process.
What are the other phases of Harold Hill’s regeneration?
The 481-home scheme forms the third phase of a broader masterplan to rejuvenate Harold Hill town centre.
- Phase one is already under construction and involves the development of a family welcome centre on the site of a former hostel.
- Phase two, which received planning approval in February, will deliver 138 affordable homes on Chippenham Road.
The comprehensive programme reflects Havering Council’s commitment to tackling the housing shortage and improving urban infrastructure across the borough.
What has the council said about the project?
Havering Council has not issued a fresh statement alongside the application submission. However, the council has previously outlined its ambition to “build high-quality homes that meet the needs of residents now and in the future” as part of the 12 Estates Programme.
The collaboration with Wates Residential aims not only to increase housing supply but to enhance community facilities and public realm in the borough.
What happens next?
The submitted application will be reviewed by Havering Council’s planning committee. If approved, the Farnham and Hilldene estate redevelopment will move into detailed design and preparation stages, prior to demolition and construction.
Given the high level of public backing and the project’s alignment with borough-wide goals, approval is considered likely, although the exact timeline for planning determination is not yet confirmed.
