Sport England Objects to Special School Planned for Balgores Lane Playing Field

Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee is considering a proposal to build a special school on a playing field in Balgores Lane, Romford, facing objections from Sport England and concerns from Transport for London (TfL). The committee met on 10 July 2025, to discuss the development presentation for the proposed special school (SEND), which would cater to 300 students with complex autism, aged 4 to 19. The key objective of the project is to create a high-quality public school building that meets the needs of pupils and students with special needs and disabilities within the London Borough of Havering.

The school is planned for an open playing field west of Balgores Lane, which is currently used by Squirrels Heath Infant School for informal sport and recreation. According to the meeting agenda and reports pack, Sport England raised a fundamental objection to the proposal due to the loss of the playing field, advising that there has to be a meaningful community use benefit for the loss of the playing field.

To mitigate the loss of the playing field, the proposal includes a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) pitch and an indoor sensory pool. The applicant is also in discussions with Squirrels Heath Infant School regarding access to the new recreation pitch and the MUGA. Squirrels Heath Infant School currently has a shortage of on-site playground space, and there is a longstanding agreement that they can use the existing playing field on the proposed site, though this reportedly only happens occasionally.

TfL has expressed concern about the level of proposed parking, stating that it is on the high side and should be reduced, or a robust justification provided. The reports pack also mentions that the GLA (Greater London Authority) and TfL have advised further reduction in the number of parking spaces to promote the Mayor's objectives in promoting modal shift towards active travel away from use of private car journeys.

The reports pack indicated that the committee was not required to make any decisions regarding the reports, which were presented as background information.

The Strategic Planning Committee included Councillors Reg Whitney, Robby Misir (Member Champion for Equalities & Diversity), Ray Best, Jane Keane, John Crowder, and Timothy Ryan.