Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Havering Council plans to partly demolish Romford’s Century Youth House to build 9 new homes, including 8 three-bedroom houses and 1 two-bedroom property.
The late 19th-century Victorian structure has not been used since 2018. In 1979, it was no longer used as a school, but more recently, it served as a “pupil referral unit” for expelled or sick pupils.
If authorized, five homes would be built in the back and four homes would be built in place of the main building.
Similar Victorian-era homes now surround the structure, which the council said would be consistent with its intentions for the neighborhood.
The Havering Council has suggested maintaining the school’s 1883 dedication plaque and says it wants to protect the building’s historic “core.”
Residents have expressed a few concerns regarding traffic flow as a result of the proposals’ inclusion of eight parking places.
Parking was “at a premium” on the road, according to Conservative ward councillor Judith Holt, and locals “frequently struggled” to find a spot.
She claimed that the additional traffic would “not be appreciated” because the road was already “extremely busy.”
To allay her concerns that residents would lose privacy and sunshine, her fellow ward councillor, Jane Keane of Labour, asked that the concept be presented to the planning committee.
Other locals proposed turning the structure into an ambulance depot or community hall.
In early December of last year, Havering Council-owned developer Mercury Land Holdings filed a formal planning application.
Havering Residents Association councillor Graham Williamson, who serves as the cabinet member for development and regeneration, said at the time:
“Our goal is to create new homes to help meet the housing needs of our residents and we welcome this proposal which is sympathetic to the heritage of the building.”
According to the council’s asset disposal plan for 2022–2028, the building was deemed excess to its purposes.
The planning committee of the council will decide on the plans next Thursday, March 13.
It is anticipated that work will start later this year if allowed.
The project is a component of Havering Council’s larger plan to alleviate the borough’s housing scarcity. It fits along with the council’s 2022–2028 asset disposal plan, which aims to address housing shortages in the area.
What are the concerns of local residents about the development?
Local resources like water, sewage, and roads may be strained by new housing developments, which could result in higher maintenance costs and possible service interruptions.
The consequences of development on the environment, such as pollution and disturbance of nearby ecosystems, may cause residents to worry.
Newcomers’ increased traffic might cause congestion on local roadways, which can impact commute times and bikers’ and pedestrians’ safety.
Concerns may arise over changes to the local character and scenery, particularly if the development compromises the area’s visual appeal or feeling of community.
Due to changes in the community’s character or strain on the infrastructure, the introduction of new housing may have varying effects on property prices, increasing for certain inhabitants and decreasing for others.