Havering has approved plans for Jewson to more than double the size of its builders’ merchant store in Romford, in the first major planning application approved under the Council’s new leadership.
The application, agreed by the Strategic Planning Committee on Thursday 9 July, will allow Jewson to expand its existing site off South Street in the Lyon Road, Romford, commercial area, increasing business capacity on land identified by planners as under-developed.
Councillor Terry Brown, Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, said:
“This is the first major planning application approved under Havering’s new Reform administration, and it sends a clear message about our ambition for the borough.
“We want to unlock Havering’s potential by making the planning process clearer, faster and more responsive for residents and businesses alike.
"That means supporting investment and growth where it is right to do so, while making sure local concerns are heard, properly considered and addressed through robust conditions.
“This decision shows that Havering is open to good-quality, well-managed development that supports local jobs, strengthens our economy and helps businesses grow with confidence.”
The approved plans will see the existing building demolished and replaced with a new facility including a sales area, warehouse, tool hire space, offices and cantilevered racking for timber.
The building footprint will increase from 1,314 sq m to 2,652 sq m on the 0.75-hectare site.
The new building will be slightly higher than the existing store but will be positioned two metres further away from neighbouring homes.
The site sits within the Lyon Road Locally Significant Industrial Site and the Romford Strategic Development Area.
The Council has carefully considered concerns raised by nearby residents in Dymoke Road.
Conditions attached to the approval include new partly mature tree planting, acoustic boundary fencing, controlled opening hours and delivery arrangements, and measures to limit noise and overlooking.
Nineteen replacement trees will be planted along the northern boundary with Dymoke Road, with a further 12 trees to the south.
These must be replaced by Jewson if they fail to thrive, helping to provide long-term screening for residents.
There will be no windows in the wall of the new store backing onto nearby gardens to help protect privacy.
An existing exit onto Lyon Road, currently closed, will also be reopened to create separate entry and exit points, keeping vehicles within the commercial estate and away from homes as much as possible.
The application followed more than a year of consultation with residents and discussions with borough planners.
Ecology advice has also been taken, with measures included to support local wildlife, including nesting birds and potential bat habitats.