Plans have been made for new homes and a commercial unit in Romford.

A proposal for the unit and four new homes with refuse and cycle provisions in Victoria Road, Romford, was acknowledged by Havering Council on June 21.

The application, submitted by APCO Plumbing Ltd, would be on the site of the current APCO Bathroom and Plumbing Supplies.

Ian Coward, the applicant's agent from Collins & Coward, argued in a supporting statement that the plans would suit the area well and contribute to the retail sector.

“The site is within a town centre location and consequently the ground floor commercial space makes provision […] towards the retail vitality and viability of the site,” he said.

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The plans would change the use of the ground floor trade counter and retail storage into an established mixed-use area, including new homes, refuse provision, secure cycle spaces and private amenity areas.

The second floor of the two-storey property would contain a family unit with larger amenity space.

The application seeks to demolish the building's rear section and retain the front with the first-floor bay and ornate brick frontage, according to a supporting statement.

Mr Coward writes in the statement that, in pre-application advice, Havering Council urged the applicant not to demolish part of the existing building which it said was positive for the street scene.

The council added that the applicant should explore the possibility of retaining the host property, at least partly.

It is quoted in the statement as saying: “Retaining the existing building which contributes to the character and appearance of this part of Victoria Road especially at the floor level with its oriel window would also be positive in terms of the quality of the street scene.”

But Mr Coward said that the rear section was of little architectural interest and was poorly insulated, so a rebuild was more sustainable.

The council has set a decision date of August 16.

The reference number for this application is P0918.23.