An appeal has been filed after a bid to redevelop a former health centre in Harold Wood was rejected by Havering Council.

A planning application was submitted by Bellway Homes on August 17 last year to demolish the existing buildings at the site of the former Long Term Conditions Centre at Copse Avenue.

The proposal sought to build 96 homes in place of the centre which was part of the Harold Wood Hospital that shut in 2006.

In a supporting statement from agent and real estate provider Savills, which cited a 2020 Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, the centre was deemed "tired and outdated" and victim to vandalism.

Read More: Plans submitted to bulldoze former health centre for almost 100 new homes

Savills had concluded that building new homes would be “the most fitting use” for that site, but had acknowledged a demand for additional GP services in the area.

The plans were however turned down by the council in its decision on December 15 on the grounds that the proposed development will not create an “attractive, safe and secure, high-quality living environment” which is sustainable.

The development, it added, would result in substandard residential accommodation to the detriment of the future occupiers as the amenity and play space was in an isolated part of the site.

The council also criticised its approximate mix of units that failed to provide a significant proportion of three-bed or more family housing to address the needs within the borough.

It added: “Sufficient pedestrian and cycle connections to the wider area have not been achieved.

“The site is isolated and there are significant travel distances to local amenities/services, in particular schools.

“Copse Avenue is the only route currently linking the site to the wider area; however this is a poor quality route that creates hostile conditions for pedestrians and cyclists."

Bellway lodged an appeal to oppose the council’s rejection on February 27. A decision is expected to be taken on the appeal by the Planning Inspectorate.

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