An application to build 396 homes has been submitted to the council ahead of the new housing zone in the south of the borough.

The development is planned by housing giant, Persimmon Homes, which hopes to build 177 houses and 219 apartments with car parking, bicycle

parking, open space and a pedestrian and cycle infrastructure on the Dovers Corner industrial estate site in Rainham.

The plans also extend into the Rainham trading estate and Boomes industrial estate along New Road.

Cllr Damian White, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for housing services, said: “This application is in the early stages, currently at the consultation phase where local people can comment on the plans.

“It’s a big project for the area and will be looked at closely as part of the planning process to ensure it complies with our planning policies and contributes to the regeneration of Rainham.”

Also planned for the area is a 12km square site containing 3,457 new homes of which 941 will be affordable and will include a new train station at Beam Park.

At Wednesday’s full council meeting leader Cllr Roger Ramsey echoed his previous comments saying: “It’s a really exciting chapter for Havering.

“Alongside the arrival of Crossrail to establish an approach for investment and regeneration we want to try and do that without sacrificing the quality of life which we all enjoy so residents can benefit from living here.”