Council sets out vision for Rainham and Beam Park Housing Zone
Posted: 23rd Feb 2016 | Written by Katrina GilbertHavering Council has moved to maintain momentum on the Rainham and Beam Park Housing Zone. At their meeting on Wednesday evening, Cabinet members voted to support the Masterplan and Planning Framework for the project which sets the vision and design principles for the area as it develops.
The Masterplan and Planning Framework, produced following extensive rounds of public consultation and various technical studies, sets out the Council’s vision and priorities for the area. It sets out the ‘robust guiding design principles’ that will shape the quality of the developments as they come forward. The document will form part of the evidence base of the forthcoming Local Plan and inform area specific policies. It also will be used as a material consideration in the assessment of future planning applications.
The Housing Zone investment will seek to transform the area, creating approximately 3,454 new homes, 941 of them affordable, as well as the construction of a new station at Beam Park and new infrastructure, including health and education facilities, and the transformation of the A1306 into a boulevard.
The project is being supported by more than £30.56 million in grant and loan from the GLA, and additional funding sources including £8million from TfL for the New Beam Park station.
Also agreed at the meeting was a Land Acquisition Strategy, which will give officers the power to buy various parcels of land necessary for the project to reach its full potential.
Officers are confident that most if not all the land can be obtained through negotiation, although there is the option of using a compulsory purchase order if required. The Council will offer significant advice and assistance to affected local businesses to help them relocate and is seeking to retain as many as possible in the Borough.
Councillor Ron Ower, Cabinet Member for Housing Company Development said:
“The Masterplan and Planning Framework provides a significant boost to the Housing Zone, setting out the principles for future development in the area to ensure it’s high quality, sustainable and is reflective of local need.
“This is a project of enormous importance to the future of South Hornchurch, Rainham and the Borough as a whole. Over 80% of those who provided feedback to the consultation supported the development of a masterplan and planning framework for the area and the benefits it will bring”
