Outline plan for mews-style houses in Hornchurch rejected

Havering Council has rejected an outline proposal to build six two-storey mews-style houses in Hornchurch.

A planning application was sent on June 26 seeking approval to the development on a site that is located behind 67 to 89 Station Lane in Hornchurch.

A spokesperson for Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency had told the Recorder that the site was to the rear of the driving test centre at 75 Station Lane.

The houses were proposed to be constructed around Queenside Mews, some single storey shops with flats above, gardens of 1 to 8 Florence Close and Drapers Court nearby.

Six parking spaces, 14 cycle spaces and some private amenity space at the back of the houses was also included in the proposal.

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But the council turned down the application on August 21 as it felt the development, being close to other housing blocks, would have provided “poor level of accommodation” due to “insufficient level of daylight”.

It noted that due to the extent of the site it covers, the houses may not have enough amenity space for future owners.

The decision suggested that the planned buildings could have an “overbearing impact” on surrounding properties, especially Queenside Mews, resulting in potential loss of privacy and light for those residents.

The other grounds for refusal included harm to biodiversity and loss of greenery in the area.

A consultation process was carried out by the council by sending notifications to 38 nearby properties. Eight objections were received as a result, which included concern that the additional parking spaces would result in “severe pressure” on the area’s roads.

This plan was a third such attempt made by the developer, with two previous applications for housing also rejected by the council.

A full list of reasons for rejection can be found on the council’s website: The London Borough of Havering – Search applications .