COMMUNITY leaders are hoping for a positive result as they wait for a looming planning inquiry decision.

The planning application proposed by developers Weston Homes for 634 flats and 95 houses for Dover’s Corner in Rainham was scrutinised by the planning inspectorate at a week-long hearing at the CEME Centre, Rainham, in September.

The inspectorate’s final decision on whether to approve or reject the development is due on or before January 28.

Adamsgate Action Group has led the campaign against the so-called “Tower City” development for six years, with Havering Cllrs Jeff Tucker, Michael Deon Burton, David Durrant and Mark Logan. They all hope they will get the decision they want.

Adamsgate chairman Graham Williamson said: “This has been our longest ever campaign and probably the most important.

“Whilst we could have seen a moto-cross, an asbestos plant or a mega-church, if we had not campaigned against them, if these tower blocks go ahead, it will likely be followed by a dozen more along the old A13 as the previous Government always planned for.

“This would not only be sad for those who would end up in them, but would totally spoil what is London’s last historic village.

“Property prices would plummet, locals would move out and anti-social behaviour no doubt move in.

“This really is ‘Frontline Havering’. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.”

Hundreds of objection letters and a 500-signature petition were submitted during the inquiry.

Ahead of the inquiry, Havering Council rejected the proposal, while London Thames Gateway Development Corporation – the decision-making authority for large scale planning proposals in the area – approved it.

But pre-empting an negative response from LTGDC, Weston Homes put in an appeal, forcing the final decision to be made through a public inquiry.