Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee has approved plans for the redevelopment of the Jewson builders' merchants site in Romford, despite concerns raised about the loss of trees.
The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings at 307-309 South Street and the construction of a larger, modern branch with expanded external storage. The site is located within the Lyon Road Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS), designated for industrial and logistical uses.
Councillor Alex Donald expressed concern over the removal of nine trees along the northern boundary of the site. These trees were identified as Treaty 9, Category C, Group G4, Category C, and a partial removal of Group G3, also Category P. While replacement trees were proposed, Councillor Donald questioned whether more mature trees could be planted to provide immediate screening, noting that younger trees could take up to 10 years to offer adequate cover. Case officer Andrew Thornley explained that planting younger trees is generally more successful and beneficial for the environment due to their carbon absorption as they grow. The approved plans include a scheme of replacement tree planting with a total of 19 new trees on the northern boundary and 12 trees on the southern boundary, described as 'heavy standards' that will provide an 'instant impact'.
The new building will be significantly larger, with an increased floor space of 1,413 square meters and a maximum height of 10.2 meters. The plans also include a one-way system for vehicle access and egress onto South Street.
Concerns about the impact of the increased building height on neighbouring properties on Dymoke Road were addressed by Mr. Thornley, who stated that while the building would appear larger due to its increased height and the site's lower ground level, the separation distance of approximately 20-24 meters was considered sufficient to prevent a significant loss of outlook or privacy, as no windows on the new building would directly face the residential properties.
The applicant's Transport Assessment outlines that the proposed development would likely lead to an increase in daily vehicle movements of 112 (56 each way). The report states that this increase is considered acceptable and commensurate with the increase in proposed floorspace, and would not significantly affect the number of vehicle movements in the area.
The proposal was recommended for approval by officers, subject to conditions, and the committee voted to grant planning permission. The decision was made subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations, including a Travel Plan, an Employment, Skills and Training Scheme, and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
These 'Biodiversity Net Gain requirements' are to be secured as a planning obligation, with a 'Biodiversity Gain Plan' to be secured by condition, to be submitted prior to commencement. The initial submission for Biodiversity Net Gain was 6%, below the statutory minimum of 10%. An officer response indicated that off-site mitigation will be secured to ensure the scheme achieves a 10% uplift in BNG. Measurement and achievement will be through the submission of a Biodiversity Gain Plan and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan.
Several conditions are attached to the planning permission, including: Time Limit, In Accordance with Plans, CLP/CMP (including NRMM, Dust Management Plan, Hours), Gas Protection Measures, Parking Design and Management Plan (including EVCPs), Cycle Parking, DSP, External Materials, Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy, Replacement Tree Planting, Noise Barrier, Wildlife Sensitive Lighting Scheme, Ecology Mitigation, Tree Protection, Noise From Plant, Hours of Use, Hours of Deliveries, Unexpected Contamination, and Energy. While enforcement mechanisms are not explicitly detailed, the conditions state that failure to comply may result in the permission being revoked.
Further details on the meeting and reports can be found in the Public reports pack.