Future development and sustainability plans mapped out for Upminster town. Learn what Havering Council may have in store between now and 2031.
Upminster Station car park may be under threat after it has been announced by Havering Borough Council that the space could be used for 110 much-needed houses in the area. The council’s recent consultation put forward their ‘Local Plan’ – a draft of ideas directed at guiding the future development of the borough and providing an adequate infrastructure for the growth of the area and its residents.
Housing, jobs and public amenities were all under discussion as part of the framework for creating a sustainable environment from now until 2031.
Housing Development
It is expected that building work to create several hundred new homes in Havering will begin within the next fifteen years. Alongside a minimum of 110 homes earmarked to be built on the site of Upminster Station car park, 670 residences are also due to be constructed in the Romford Station gateway, and a further 100 to be erected just north of the Romford Matalan store. These areas are all part of the council’s Brownfield Register, which is a legally required list detailing all brownfield sites as well as formerly or partially developed premises that are either vacant or unused. Paved areas including carparks also make up several entries on the register, which has a total of 29 different sites. Additional spaces are listed at the previous Harold Hill library site, Rainham’s Mudlands Industrial Estate and Tadworth Parade in Elm Park.
The stage of evidence gathering which included the putting together of these sites for the register, has now passed and the proposals that make up the ‘Local Plan’ are now complete. However, it is important to point out that although they have been earmarked for potential development, no official planning permission has been applied for or granted at this point.
Objections To Carpark Demolition
During a 2013 plan to sell off another local carpark, residents were up in arms about the possibility of turning Upminster into a ghost town. The main objection at the demolition of the Upminster Park car park, was at the lack of parking spaces available in the town. Residents feared that if shoppers were unable to park up easily, then they would simply travel further afield to the likes of Romford or Lakeside, which would spell disaster for local high street businesses.
However, it’s fair to say that five years on, Upminster is thriving, which is why the council’s future plans are an exciting prospect for the area. Upminster was recently named as the second most popular location for the capital’s second-time buyers, with around 46% of sales in the area being sold to this demographic. Estate agents in Upminster are quick to point out the great value of living there. Not only is there a good selection of 1920s and 30s semis, but the town also boasts excellent connections into London on either the District or Overground lines. Crossrail is arriving at nearby Romford shortly, and there are also some outstanding schools on the edge of this green belt location.
The loss of Upminster station car park may naturally be of immediate concern to local residents, but the long-prospects for the town and are looking bright and it’s exciting to see what Havering Council will reveal as the result of their consultations.