Proposed Goodmayes regeneration gets the green light from Planning Committee

Plans to transform the heart of Goodmayes into a thriving, rejuvenated community with new homes, jobs and community facilities have moved a step closer, after receiving councillor approval.

Weston Homes’ planning application for the site in High Road, Goodmayes, was approved by Redbridge Council’s planning committee on Thursday 27 May 2021.

The plans would see the existing Tesco Extra demolished and replaced by a new store, new homes to help meet the local shortage, a new primary school and new community facilities - supported by enhancements to the surrounding local infrastructure to improve accessibility.

Highlights of the plans include:

• The creation of 1,280 new high-quality homes, of which 415 would be affordable, to help meet local housing needs
• A replacement, sustainably designed large food retail store, which will continue to serve the local community and retain local employment
• A new primary school for 630 pupils, to meet the borough’s expected needs
• New community facilities including a community hall, out of hours access to the school and improvements to Barley Lane Recreation Ground

Cllr Vanisha Solanki, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness said: “Goodmayes is in the heart of the Crossrail corridor. This a major opportunity to turn a currently underutilised, undistinctive area into a thriving, rejuvenated community. The plans will help us tackle the affordable housing crisis in the borough while driving economic growth that will encourage businesses to thrive

The homes created through the development – which will also boost the biodiversity and urban greening of the area - will be a mix of different sizes and tenures, featuring private and communal outdoor spaces. The plans will also see additional improvements to accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users including the widening of the High Road, a dedicated bus lane, pedestrian crossing to the Barley Lane Recreation Ground and a direct link to Goodmayes station.

Job opportunities will be created both during the construction phase, through the supply chain and indirect employment, and via new flexible commercial units created for the existing and future members of the community.

The council has been consulting with local residents on the proposals since 2019. Development of the High Road site is included within Redbridge’s Local Plan, which sets the council’s vision and framework for future development in the borough between now and 2030. The planning application will now be submitted to the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority.