Plans to build a further 226 new homes as part of one of east London’s largest housing redevelopments were approved this week.

Councillors at Barking and Dagenham Council agreed to the proposals for the new homes on Barking’s Gascoigne estate thanks in part to the fact that the latest development will be one of the greenest in London.

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Councill said: “This is great news. These plans deliver more really affordable homes for local people and set new standards for the quality and sustainability of council owned housing . These plans will create a great place to live and make better use of resources which will save residents money and help reduce environmental impact.”

The  proposals include:

  • 226 new homes, with rents starting from £159 a week for a one bedroom flat
  • Spacious tree-lined courtyards and play areas
  • Green roofs and rain gardens, photovoltaic panels and a connection to the existing local heat network will make this a carbon zero development in one of the buildings
  • 414 cycling spaces

Jacob Willson, Head of Design at Be First, said: “We are dedicated to delivering quality, affordable and sustainable developments which move us towards our zero carbon ambitions. It has been a pleasure working with residents and Pitman Tozer Architects on this exciting phase of the Gascoigne Estate.”

Luke Tozer, Director, Pitman Tozer said: “Following on from the work of White Arkitekter in Phase two, this next phase in the development of the Gascoigne East estate brings forward two parcels of land, Plots I & J,  that will help to seed the subsequent development to the south.

“We’ve been working closely with Be First to create designs that optimise offsite construction as well as minimise the Carbon footprint, achieving Net Zero Carbon on plot J, with all homes being dual aspect in a stacked layout.

“The buildings are a backdrop to the public realm design by Turkington Martin which is key in the drive to build upon a sense of place within regeneration of the Gascoigne East Estate.”

Up to 55 per cent of the development will be affordable, with 29 per cent at London Affordable Rent, 26 per cent, below market rent (80 per cent)  and 41 per cent for private rent.