Barking and Dagenham Council’s leader has welcomed the decision by the deputy mayor of London to give the green light to the proposed Beam Park development.

The decision by Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for housing, means thousands of more homes, new primary schools and a new rail station on the former Fords site.

Councillor Darren Rodwell said: “I welcome the Deputy Mayor’s decision giving the go-ahead for this major new development which will also bring much needed affordable homes, as well as jobs and infrastructure to this part of the borough.

“This is another piece of the jigsaw in our efforts to harness growth in the borough.

“I am glad to see that this development will include schools, a medical centre and a new rail station for resident s as part of our ambitious vision for the future of Barking and Dagenham.”

The Deputy Mayor’s decision last Friday (28 September), came after the Mayor of London decided to take the final decision on the plans which straddle the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering.

Havering Council rejected the proposals earlier this year, while Barking and Dagenham Council approved them.

Caroline Harper, Chief Planner at Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, said: “These plans will enable more Londoners to find a home. They breathe new life into an old industrial site and will mean this former Fords site will be an engine for growth, homes and jobs.”

The development, which is a joint venture by L&Q and Countryside includes:

• 3000 residential units. 640 units will be in Havering with 2360 units in Barking and Dagenham
• 50% of which will be affordable equating to a minimum of 1513 units comprising the first 35% split between 20% affordable rent and 80% shared ownership. The remaining 15% will be split between 20% affordable rent and 80% intermediate comprising shared ownership or London Living Rent.
• Two three form entry primary schools (one in each borough)
• New Railway Station and a new bus loop to enable buses to access the station square.
• A new medical centre
• A new linear park (which will front New Road) and children’s play space.
• A Beam Park Community fund of £500K to be used to support community projects and schemes in both
• A £350K sports facilities contribution for Parsloes Park

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