The former St George’s Hospital site will be redeveloped with new homes and a multi-million pound health centre.
The old Suttons Lane hospital site in Hornchurch, which has been vacant since it closed in 2012, will give way to 279 homes and a 3,000 sq metre health hub.
The plans were approved by the regulatory service committee last night with all councillors voting in favour of both planning applications.
On the one hand the residential development will see the demolition of parts of the building and the construction of 128 flats and 151 houses, while the health centre will include GP and clinical care as well as space for community providers and education space.
Last year, plans for a residential development on the 29 acre site were brushed away by the committee but councillors agreed last night, the existing plans had much improved.
Parking spaces for 110 cars and a portable MRI scanner unit will also be included near the health centre and 15 per cent of the new homes will have to be affordable housing.
The committee agreed the new plans secured the “openness” of the green belt site.
A contribution of £1,674,000 has also been requested from NHS Property Services, which owns the site, to contribute to educational investment, improving Hornchurch Country Park and installing cycle storage at Hornchurch station.
John Westwood, director of asset management for NHS Property Services, said: “We are delighted that the London Borough of Havering has approved the outline planning applications for the redevelopment of the St George’s Hospital site, which includes plans for a new healthcare facility and residential scheme.
“This is a major milestone for NHS Property Services meaning this vacant site can be brought back into use to meet the healthcare needs of the local community and provide important new homes. We now await consideration of the application by the Greater London Authority (GLA).”
Deputy leader of the council Cllr Damian White said: “I am pleased that the site is finally going to be developed in a sensitive way. There were fears of thousands of homes being crammed onto the site but it is going to be tasty development and one that will become a signature development for Hornchurch.”
The Recorder apologises if the article in today’s paper reads as if one application would be chosen over the other.
Councillors also approved plans for the old Rainham Social Club building in Upminster Road South to be knocked down and give way to six one-bedroom flats.
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