Key Points
- Yaelwood Ltd and Claridge Architects launch public consultation for redevelopment of former Debenhams building in Romford Market Place.
- Proposal includes 154 homes, retail space, and a 108-room hotel; formal planning expected within two months.
- Harold Hill Town Centre regeneration, a joint venture between Havering Council and Wates Residential, progressing with demolition complete at Chippenham Road.
- Phase 2 at Chippenham Road to develop 140 new homes after demolition lasting 14 weeks.
- Preparation rumours for Farnham and Hilldene Estate regeneration phase next year.
- High vacancy noted in retail units along Farnham Road, Harold Hill.
- Havering Council issues screening opinion on plans for up to 570 homes on green belt land off Benets Road, Hornchurch.
- No environmental impact assessment required for Benets Road proposal despite hundreds of objections.
- No formal planning application yet submitted for Benets Road housing development.
What Are the Plans for Romford’s Market Place Former Debenhams Building?
As reported by the Romford Recorder, Yaelwood Ltd is preparing to launch a public consultation in partnership with Claridge Architects concerning the redevelopment of the former Debenhams building in Romford Market Place. According to journalist Laura Nightingale, the consultation, named ‘Swan Walk’, aims to gather public feedback on plans that could see the existing department store removed.
The vision includes constructing 154 new residential homes, new retail spaces, and a 108-room hotel at the site. Debenhams, a department store chain that closed its Romford location due to administration in May 2021, left the building unused since the brand name was acquired and the stores shut down. These plans could be formally submitted for planning approval in the next two months, marking a significant change in the character of Romford’s central commercial area.
How Is Harold Hill’s Town Centre Regeneration Advancing?
Reporter Emma Mills of the Romford Recorder discusses the Harold Hill Town Centre regeneration, a landmark project that involves Havering Council and construction firm Wates Residential in a joint venture. Expected to deliver around 3,500 new homes, the scheme is divided into three key phases: The Family Welcome Centre, Chippenham Road, and the Farnham and Hilldene Estate.
Demolition work at Chippenham Road, which started in July and lasted approximately fourteen weeks, has now been completed, leaving the site clear for the next construction phase. The cleared area is set to accommodate 140 new homes. Demolition work was officially confirmed complete by Havering Council earlier this week.
In addition, preparations appear to be underway to begin regeneration work at the Farnham and Hilldene Estate next year. A recent site visit to Farnham Road revealed a high concentration of vacant retail units, indicating economic challenges in the area that the regeneration hopes to address.
What Is Happening with Housing Plans on Benets Road in Hornchurch?
According to investigative journalist Mark Foster of the Romford Recorder, Havering Council has returned a screening opinion for a proposal to build up to 570 homes on green belt land off Benets Road in Hornchurch. The details submitted to the planning committee remain limited, notably lacking specifics on housing types but suggesting building heights of two to four storeys.
The council determined that an environmental impact assessment would not be necessary for the proposal despite strong community concerns. “Hundreds” of local residents have objected to these plans, voicing worries about the environmental and infrastructural consequences of such a large development on green belt land.
As yet, no formal planning application has been lodged for this development, but the screening opinion stage confirms that the proposal is under consideration.
What Are the Wider Implications for Havering’s Housing and Urban Landscape?
These three development projects reflect a growing drive by Havering Council and private partners to address housing needs by utilising existing urban and suburban spaces. The redevelopment of Romford Market Place promises a modern mixed-use hub with homes, retail, and hotel accommodations, potentially revitalising the town centre.
Meanwhile, the Harold Hill regeneration programme aims to provide a substantial increase in housing stock—3,500 homes—spread over twelve estates, coupled with improvements to community infrastructure. The pace at Chippenham Road signals the transition from demolition to construction, with further phases on the horizon.
However, the Benets Road proposal has sparked controversy, not least because development on green belt land is often contentious. The absence of an environmental impact assessment and limited disclosure on housing details may fuel ongoing opposition among residents.
Together, these diverse proposals highlight the balancing act Havering faces between urban renewal, housing demand, environmental protection, and community concerns.
What Statements Have Local Authorities and Developers Made?
Havering Council, as cited by Romford Recorder reporters, emphasises the importance of consultation and phased development to deliver sustainable housing growth. The council’s spokesperson for the Chippenham Road demolition completion said:
“The clearance marks a vital milestone in the regeneration of Harold Hill, which will provide much-needed homes and improved local facilities.”
Yaelwood Ltd and Claridge Architects, through their consultation launch in Romford Market Place, have invited residents and stakeholders to provide input, indicating openness to community feedback prior to formal planning submissions.
No public statements have yet been issued on the screening opinion for Benets Road, but the volume of objections underscores local resistance.
How Can Residents Participate in These Developments?
The ongoing public consultation for the ‘Swan Walk’ plan in Romford invites local residents to review proposals and submit feedback in the coming weeks before formal plans are filed.
Havering Council typically encourages engagement through consultations and planning meetings for all regeneration and development initiatives. With phases unfolding over several years, there are likely to be multiple opportunities for residents to influence the outcomes via official channels.
Havering’s development landscape shows a mix of ambitious regeneration with community challenges, forecasting significant changes in housing availability and urban form across the borough in the coming years.
