A new housing development in Harold Hill was approved despite fears that it would lead to more parking problems.

The committee voted 10/1 in favour of the proposals in Chippenham Gardens, Harold Hill at the planning meeting in Havering Town Hall on Thursday January 10.

The plans will see the demolition of the remaining buildings on the site and the construction of a new residential development of 72 units, consisting of 34 flats and 38 houses.

The development is also set to include a total of 106 car parking spaces.

But Cllr Pat Murray (Lab, Gooshays) warned that there were still not enough parking spaces.

He said: “If this development goes ahead as it stands, there is going to be a loss of more than 20 parking spaces.

“In an area like this it is going to cause major difficulty.

“The new people that move in are going to have family and friends visiting and they are going to need parking spaces and there is going to be a major shortage.”

The committee also heard that the council had received eight letters from residents objecting to the proposals on the grounds of loss of parking, noise and disruption and loss of light and privacy.

But a spokesman for Notting Hill Housing trust defended the decision.

He said: “We have submitted a transport report to the council and our parking is acceptable.

The committee also went on to approve the redevelopment of land next to Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill.

The site is set to consist of 100 residential units with car parking spaces.

But there was an objection from a resident who was concerned about the loss of space and privacy.

Both developments form part of the Harold Hill Ambitions Project (HHA), a regeneration project with the aim of transforming the quality of life and living environment of Harold Hill residents.