A major housing development of almost 3,000 homes in London has been called in the by city’s Deputy Mayor so it can be subject to further scrutiny after one of two councils involved rejected the plans.
The development on the former Ford car assembly plant at Dagenham involves the creation of a whole new neighbourhood, including 2,900 homes of which 50% should be genuinely affordable.
The level of affordable housing was secured by the Mayor following negotiations between City Hall and the site’s developers. It also includes a new rail station, schools, community facilities, retail, and open spaces.
Acting under delegated powers from the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said that the planning application needs to be examined carefully.
The site straddles the border of two boroughs. Barking and Dagenham Council approved the development, however, Havering Council refused permission over concerns the development would harm the character of the local area due to the height of the buildings.
The potential development sits in the London Riverside Opportunity Area, which has been identified as having the capacity to accommodate at least 26,500 new homes and 16,000 new jobs.
‘Having weighed up the evidence available to me and given its importance, I have decided to call in this application so it can be subjected to further scrutiny,’ said Pipe who will consider the application at a public hearing at City Hall later in the year.
Since taking office, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called in six planning applications in addition to this latest decision by the Deputy Mayor.
The decision to call in this scheme was taken by the Deputy Mayor under delegated powers as the Mayor is responsible for land owned by GLA Land & Property and as such cannot act as planning authority.
Countryside and L&Q were appointed to deliver the development, following a competitive tender process in April 2016.
