Developer submits details of proposal for 1,010 homes in Romford

In an exclusive interview with the Romford Recorder, founder and chairman Robert Whitton discussed his plans, possibilities and personal motivation driving this development.

Though currently being used as a temporary car park for the adjacent Queen's Hospital, the site has been empty for a number of years. 

For Romford born and bred Robert, this is a "waste" - and not just from a development standpoint: "I remember this - I was born when the ice rink was here. I used to come skating here, and to watch the Raiders play, so there's a sentimentality to it as well. It really feels like a blank canvas to create something amazing."

Romford-born Robert explained that he wants to 'curate a community' with this development, with plans for a wellness trail and retail parade among the proposals in the most recent application.

In terms of affordable housing, the application is to have a viability assessment which will determine the final number. Preference for all housing will be given to Havering residents. 

Robert considers intergenerational living to be one of the themes of the proposal, reflected in the fact that there are 232 "later living" homes set aside for older residents.

"Havering has one of the biggest populations of elderly people in the whole of London, and there's a real care need," he said. "This would offer them independent living alongside care facilities, potentially freeing up the bigger homes they vacate."

He explained that "mixing generations - old and young" is the main emphasis, particularly given its known positives to combatting segregation and isolation in older people.

Retail Parade

There are also plans for a small retail parade - including a café, pharmacy and coffee shop - opposite Queen's Hospital's main entrance.

According to Robert, the Costa Coffee inside the hospital building is believed to be the busiest in the UK, which he cites as evidence of need for fresh amenities - particularly if permission is granted and more people move into the area.

These potential changes in Romford and surrounding areas such as Dagenham are frowned upon by some residence. 

Kyri Kyriacou the Managing Director of Property Vine has stated "over development can become an issue, over crowding and traffic bottlenecks can easily occur making it a nightmare for locals. I hope the council think things through carefully without just looking at the pound signs"