Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee has approved plans for a significant redevelopment of the Jewson builders' merchants site in Romford, which will see the building height increase by over three metres. The decision, made at a meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, allows for the demolition of existing structures and the construction of a larger, modern branch with expanded external storage.
The new building will have a floor space of 1,413 square meters and a maximum height of 10.2 meters, an increase of 3 meters from the current structure. The site is located within the Lyon Road Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS), an area designated for industrial and logistical uses. The Lyon Road site is designated as a 'Locally Significant Industrial Site' (LSIS) because these are 'designated industrial employment areas with an ongoing demand for space to service industrial and logistical occupiers and are the areas that remain the most suitable locations for accommodating Havering's, industrial and warehousing demands.' The redevelopment aligns with its purpose by allowing the existing business to expand and grow, supporting economic development and employment opportunities in the borough, which is considered to be an appropriate land use for a designated LSIS.
The redevelopment is expected to allow the existing business to expand and grow, which is supported to encourage economic growth and provide further employment opportunities in the borough.
Concerns were raised by Councillor Alex Donald regarding the loss of nine trees along the northern boundary, with replacement trees proposed. A scheme of replacement tree planting has been secured on the boundary of the site, with a total of 19 new trees on the northern boundary and 12 trees being planted on the southern boundary. These trees are described as 'heavy standards' which are intended to provide an 'instant impact'. However, Councillor Alex Donald questioned whether more mature trees could be planted to provide screening sooner, noting that it could take up to 10 years for the new trees to offer adequate screening. The case officer responded that planting younger trees is generally more successful and better for the environment, and that while 5-10 years may feel like a long time, watching the trees grow would provide a sufficient level of amenity.
Councillor Iurie Bivol inquired about the impact of the increased building height on neighbouring properties on Dymoke Road. Mr Thornley acknowledged that the building would appear larger due to its increased height and the site's lower ground level, but stated that 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 committee also discussed noise mitigation measures, with conditions to be imposed to control hours of use and deliveries. Specifically, the development shall not open to the public other than between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 on Monday to Friday, and between 08:00 to 16:00 on Saturday, and not at all on Sundays and Bank Holidays. No deliveries or waste collections shall be taken at or despatched from the site outside the hours of 07:00 to 18:00 on Monday to Friday, and outside the hours of 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays, with no deliveries on Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays. An acoustic fence along the northern boundary was also stipulated.
The proposal was recommended for approval by officers, subject to these conditions. Following discussion, the committee voted to approve the application, granting planning permission subject to the prior completion of a legal agreement to secure planning obligations. These obligations include a Travel Plan, an Employment, Skills and Training Scheme, and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. The legal agreement will also secure a 'Payment of a financial contribution toward s106 monitoring costs' and 'Payment of legal costs associated with the drafting, signing and completion of the s106'.
The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements are a statutory requirement under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The council is satisfied that the submitted information provides sufficient detail at the application stage. A Biodiversity Gain Plan will be secured by condition, to be submitted prior to commencement. Additionally, a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) should be secured for all significant on-site enhancements.
Further details on the committee's discussions can be found in the Public reports pack.