Five of the biggest planning proposals in Havering in 2026

From multi-hundred home redevelopments to new sports pitches - much to the dismay of locals - here are five of the biggest planning applications submitted in Havering this year.

Almost 500 new homes in Hornchurch

A planning application was submitted to Havering Council for almost 500 new homes on green belt land in Hornchurch in early June this year.

The application, for outline consent, was lodged by developer Richborough to build up to 475 homes on land to the north of Benets Road and the east of Wingletye Lane.

Half of the homes are proposed to be 'affordable' - of which 70 per cent will be affordable rent and 30 per cent shared ownership - and most would be two or 2.5 storeys high.

The site comprises around 24.5 hectares of agricultural fields, falling "wholly within the green belt" according to the plans.

Debenhams demolition for flats and new hotel

Plans to demolish the former Debenhams store in Romford Market Place were formally lodged in January this year but are still yet to be decided on.

The proposals - put forward by Claridge Architects on behalf of Yaelwood Ltd - would see the site at 56-72 Market Place bulldozed.

A complete redevelopment would follow, involving three proposed blocks, including a 118-room hotel with a rooftop bar for block one.

Blocks two and three are proposed to be residential buildings, measuring up to 12 and 14 storeys high and consisting of 155 flats overall.

1,300 new homes on site of golf course

Homes4Life has expressed its desire to demolish Crowlands Heath Golf Course and redevelop it into a site with almost 1,300 homes since October last year.

An official application was lodged to both Havering Council and Barking and Dagenham Council in June, because the golf course straddles land across both boroughs.

A total of 998 homes would be built technically in Havering whilst 300 would be in Barking and Dagenham.

Proposals for a "community/retail unit", "artificial multi-use games area", padel courts and "enhancement works to Wantz Boating Lake" are also included.

New football pitch - but locals protest

Plans for a new 3G football pitch at The Campion School in Hornchurch were submitted to Havering Council in February.

If approved, the new pitch would also see a car park built on the school grounds next to Basi Close and Platford Green.

Jennifer Maclellan, Rob Sedgley and Beatrice Coe were three of many residents who signed a petition objecting to the plans due to concerns over light and sound pollution, impacts on the local environment - including Platford Swan pond - but also what they felt was a lack of transparency and communication from the school throughout the planning process.

Headteacher Paul Larner previously told the Recorder that he held a meeting with residents to discuss concerns but believes the plans will be a "significant benefit for the local community clubs" and the school.

Almost 80 new homes on Green Belt land

An outline application has been submitted this month (August) for up to 79 new homes at Ivy Lodge Farm, in Shepherds Hill, alongside at least 119 new parking spaces.

Several existing warehouses and buildings at the site, which is listed as green belt, could be bulldozed to make way for the housing.

However, some properties such as Ivy Lodge Veterinary Clinic, a residential building and the locally listed Ivy Lodge Farm are proposed to be kept and incorporated into the design of the new site.

A design and access statement, drawn up by Hybrid Planning & Development on behalf of PM Whites Properties, reveals that half of the proposed homes are planned to be "affordable" and all are aimed to be "high-quality family homes".