A heritage group has raised fears about plans to split larger shops in an iconic 1930s shopping centre into smaller premises.
The Quadrant, which sits in the heart of Romford town centre, sought approval to divide up three separate shops by submitting two planning applications to Havering Council.
In a letter included in both applications by The Quadrant’s agent, Upp, it said splitting up the shops would enable the centre to “promote a wider retail offer and choice to consumers”.
But the Romford Civic Society has questioned how the proposed amendments would impact The Quadrant’s 1930s art deco style.
Drawing attention to the scheme's lack of detail, society chairman Andrew Curtin, said: “The proposed changes may enable The Quadrant to remain viable in the context of new shopping requirements.
“However, this is a fine and distinctive 1930s building, and there is not yet enough information for us to judge whether they will be made well and to the benefit of the environment, character and image of Romford.”
To add to the society’s concerns, St Edwards ward councillor David Taylor said when he asked for the council's planning committee to review the application, he was told planning permission is not needed.
The Conservative councillor said that while this is all he knows “for now”, the understanding that no planning approval is required for the works is a “shame”.
A Havering Council spokesperson confirmed permission is not necessary for the proposed work, and that it would be asking the applicant to withdraw the application.
"However, building regulations consent will be needed to ensure that the work meets construction standards," they added.
Explaining why he felt it necessary to attempt to call in the applications, Cllr Taylor said: "I'm pleased to see that there is continued interest in investing in Romford. However, we must ensure we preserve our town's character.
“The Quadrant arcade is a beautiful piece of art deco architecture. Any application for the centre should clearly outline how it will preserve its look."
The Romford Civic Society has previously lobbied The Quadrant to work with stores to restore more of its original façade, as part of a “broader celebration” of the town’s 1930s history.
View the applications using the references P1476.22 and P1478.22.
Havering Council and Upp were both approached for comment.
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