Plans to create a mixed use business and residential development in Barking were approved by the Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee this week (Monday, 21 December).

It means 156 new high quality affordable homes for rent will be built alongside 5,085sqm of light industrial space in Thames Road, Barking.

Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing, said: “We’re trying to do regeneration differently in Barking and Dagenham.

“We’re about delivering inclusive growth and this development in Thames Road is a great example of intelligent regeneration. It will produce jobs and quality homes for local people at rents they can afford – and all in a sustainable way. It’s a model for future regeneration.”

The site is located on the corner of Thames Road and Crossness Road, and acts as a key entrance point into the Barking Riverside regeneration area.

The Thames Road development will include:

•            156 affordable new homes for the council – about half of them reserved for people on our waiting lists

•            5,085 square metres of light industrial units for new or expanding businesses

•            60 trees and improved landscaping

•            green spaces and play areas, balconies and green roof terraces

•            70% of hot water and heating to be provided by air source heat pumps

•            Café reinstated on the corner of Thames Road and Crossness Road

Ben Green, Senior Development Manager at Be First, who will be overseeing the development, said: “Be First is about building sustainable communities that create new jobs and new homes.  12 Thames Road is a statement of intent for Be First and the Council, who have ambitious plans to regenerate the Thames Road area.”