The first plans for Havering’s biggest regeneration programme have been submitted, marking a significant step forward for the scheme
Joint venture partners Havering Council and Wates Residential submitted plans for the Napier and New Plymouth House site in Rainham on Monday.
The site is one of 12 included in the estate regeneration programme, which will see around 3,000 homes delivered in the borough over the next 12 to 15 years. The project will seek to increase the amount of council rented accommodation and double the amount of affordable housing, while the right to return is guaranteed to all residents.
The proposals for the Napier and New Plymouth House site include 126 affordable homes, with a number earmarked for families, and a further 71 homes for private sale.
Children’s play areas have been included in the plans with plenty of green space to make sure the scheme reflects the borough, which has the largest amount of green space in London. The landscape will also be designed to encourage wildlife, with new bat boxes, trees for birds and plenty of flowers for bees.
The submission follows an extensive public consultation, which has included local residents and businesses. Havering Council’s planning committee will now assess the application and a decision is expected later this year. Demolition will commence this spring and will run parallel to the planning decision making process.
As part of the project, Havering Council and Wates Residential have pledged to deliver a borough-wide legacy by investing in education, training and skills opportunities, and by employing local businesses to work on the scheme.
Councillor Damian White, leader of Havering Council, said “After months in the planning, it is exciting to see us entering the next phase in our ambitious regeneration programme.
“This project will provide much-needed quality, affordable homes for local people in our special borough. It will leave behind a legacy of skills, training, jobs and aspiration which goes far beyond just bricks and mortar.”
Kate Ives, development director for Wates Residential, added “We are thrilled to have taken the next step forward in building homes for local residents. The Napier and New Plymouth House site will be a place to be proud of and will set the standard for high-quality housing across London.
“Quality is at the heart of everything we do and we are looking forward to continuing our work alongside Havering Council to bring this great project to life.”
Rebecca Taylor, partner for architects and masterplanners JTP, said “JTP are delighted to be submitting design proposals for the first site to come forward in the Havering and Wates regeneration portfolio.
“The regeneration of this key site in Rainham presents an opportunity to deliver high quality new homes and public realm and continue to raise design quality in Havering.”
