Council adds more social housing to new Rainham development

The Napier and New Plymouth House site in Rainham is the first of 12 to be redeveloped as part of the ongoing work to deliver more affordable homes across the borough through the 12 Estates project with joint venture partner Wates Residential.

It was originally set to include 126 affordable homes and a further 71 homes for private sale, but following agreement from Cabinet, those 71 homes will now be bought by the Council to provide nearly 200 much-needed, high-quality affordable homes for local people.

Proposals for the site were submitted to Havering Council’s planning committee in May 2019 as part of Phase One of the wider project, with the demolition completed just before lockdown.

The right to return is also guaranteed to all residents, meaning families that have been relocated from the estates under regeneration will be able to return, if they choose to.

The first phase of development also includes Waterloo Estate in Romford and Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts in Hornchurch and the project will provide around 3,500 high- quality, affordable homes over the next 12 to 15 years.

Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council said; 

“We know there is a high demand for decent affordable housing across the borough, with the Covid 19 pandemic likely to increase this further. The additional council homes on this development will help to deliver on our promise to create new communities with quality affordable housing where people are proud to call home.

“Through the 12 Estates project we want to double the amount of council rented accommodation and more than double the number of affordable homes for local people, including former residents on the estates, who will get the right to return to a brand new home. 

‘With demolition now complete and construction due to start on site in early autumn 2020, we are one step closer to providing the thousands of new and affordable homes that Havering needs.”