Consultation to open on Harold Hill 150-home development plans

Havering Council is launching a public consultation on the next phase of a major redevelopment scheme in Harold Hill.

Under the plans, 150 homes are proposed to be built between Chippenham Road and Kings Lynn Drive, next to the Farnham and Hilldene shopping area.

The project is part of the “12 Estates regeneration programme” that was launched as a joint venture between the council and developer Wates Residential in 2018.

In the first phase of transforming Harold Hill town centre, Abercrombie House, a former hostel for homeless people, is being demolished.

Read More: Construction to begin on former Harold Hill college site

It is set to be replaced with a new family welcome centre that will deliver 74 temporary emergency accommodation dwellings.

A spokesperson for Havering Council has now announced that the council will invite people to share their views on the next step of the regeneration plan from Friday (July 14).

The new homes on the Chippenham Road site are set to be divided across five complexes.

The spokesperson said: “It include a variety of housing types and tenures, including a range of affordable homes.

“The plans will help meet local demand for new modern and sustainable homes set within a family-friendly neighbourhood.”

The new apartments, they added, will be centred around communal garden courtyards, “providing residents with ample outdoor space to relax and socialise in a rich green landscape”.

They said the new homes will have sustainable features like electric charging points that will “contribute to creating a climate resilient community”.

Work on the regeneration is taking place in a phased manner, the council said, to “maximise benefits to the local area and minimise construction disruption”.       

Councillor Graham Williamson, cabinet lead for development and regeneration, urged residents and businesses to “have their say” on the future vision for Chippenham Road and Harold Hill town centre.

He said: “It is really important to gain this insight to help ensure the project is driven forward with the community and are aligned with everyone’s vision for the future.”

The council is holding two community “drop-in” events at Harold Hill library on Tuesday (July 18) between 1pm and 4.30pm, and on Thursday (July 20) between 2pm and 7pm.

Members of the project team are expected to be present on hand to answer any questions from the community about the plans.

People can also view plans and send feedback via the council’s consultation website at www.havering.gov.uk/haroldhilltowncentre.

The consultation deadline ends on August 8.