Consultation is now underway on revised proposals to build 526 new homes in the latest phase of redevelopment of the eastern end of Gascoigne estate, as part of the borough’s commitment to meet the climate challenge head on.
The new flats and houses, which will be built for the council by the authority’s development arm, Be First, are proposed for the site at the junction of St Pauls Road and Ripple Road, a stone’s throw from Barking town centre.
The eco-friendly designs include blocks ranging from four to 14 storeys arranged around a network of green courtyards and a new public park.
At least two thirds of the new homes will be let by the council at affordable rents or for shared ownership.
The development would further extend the area’s reputation for being one of the greenest in the borough.
Due to its proximity to the town centre, with its array of public transport options, the development is largely car-free, and features almost 900 cycle parking spaces.
And, the plans also include extensive tree-planting, connection to the local district energy network, green roofs and solar panels, as well as courtyards and the 1.25 acre Gascoigne Park itself.
Project Director, Dubravka Polic, explains: “We’ve decided to revisit our plans to meet the climate change challenge which faces us all.
“They still include much-needed, affordable homes for local people but the difference is that the new plans will be centred on greener living and reducing the need for cars, helping to make cleaner air quality for this and the next generation.
“Most things you need – shops, transport and a large range of leisure options – are within easy walking distance, reducing the need for cars and allowing for a much greener environment.
“We’re very interested to hear what local residents think about these new ideas for more sustainable living before we submit a formal planning application.”
Councillor Andrew Achilleos, Barking and Dagenham Council Member Champion for Climate Change, said: “We all have a part to play to tackle climate change, and so far, the council has already taken a number of measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including a pledge to end single-use plastic and switching some of our fleet to using electric rather than diesel.
“The eco-friendly designs proposed for Gascoigne are another step towards a greener borough and I urge residents to take part in the survey and give their views.”
In recognition that, the pace of development in and around Gascoigne is very high, and that is why residents are being consulted. Be First is offering prizes to people who participate in the survey. The first entry picked at random will win a £25 Amazon voucher, with two £10 vouchers for the next survey entries drawn out of the hat.
The plans and survey are available online at yourcall.befirst.london/gascoigne-park and the closing date is 23 August.
