Havering Council launches a consultation this Friday (17 November) on its intention to appropriate (make use) of the underused car parks at Dorrington Gardens, Keswick Gardens, Como Street and Angel Way for planning purposes to facilitate development.
The current proposals, at pre-application stage, seek to redevelop the car parks to deliver nearly 300 homes including affordable homes for local people and commercial space for local businesses.
Plans are underway to submit planning in Spring 2024 with decisions expected around Autumn 2024. The Council will sell the sites subject to planning to generate capital receipts, part of the Asset Disposal Programme 2022-2028.
Having considered representations in response to a statutory consultation on the removal of the car parks from the Council’s off-street parking in August, the Cabinet decided not to confirm the appropriation of Slaney Way car park for planning purposes. It was noted that that decision would be made after further discussions with Brookside theatre on proposals for retaining part of the site
The Council has published the notice of its intention [Link to public notice], to appropriate the car parks for planning purposes and will consider any responses, before making a decision.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“The proposed appropriation represents an exciting opportunity and an important step in unlocking the potential for these underused car parks while generating much needed capital receipts.
“The stark reality is rising costs from adult and children’s social care pressures, an increase in homelessness demand and raising inflation, and less Government funding year on year means a budget gap of £31.2million and £77million over four years that we have to try and close.
“I encourage residents to share their thoughts with us.”
You can complete the survey here, email your comments to propertyservices@havering.gov.uk or write to: The Assistant Director Housing, Property and Assets, London Borough of Havering, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3BD.
The consultation opens on Friday 17 November and closes on 4 December 2023.