Planning inspector finishes dissecting Redbridge Council’s plans for the future of housing in the borough
Planning Inspector David Smith took residents' representations against Redbridge Council's Local Plan at a series of hearings at the City Gates Pavilion in Clements Road, Ilford. Photo: Matt Clemenson - Credit: Archant
The planning inspectorate’s thorough examination of Redbridge Council’s plans for developing the borough over the next 13 years officially concluded this morning after 10 days of formal hearings.
The Local Plan examination hearings at the City Gates Pavillion in Clements Road, Ilford, have seen planning inspector David Smith listen to residents’ objections to Redbridge Council’s plans for housing in the borough until 2030.
Representing resident action group Neighbourhoods of Ilford South Engage (Noise), Ilona Biswas King told the inspector she was concerned the council had simply adopted “a policy on convenience” in its approach to providing future housing.
“It seems to be a case of ‘if you’ve got a balcony then you’ve got enough amenity space in these flats,” she said.
“We are concerned that people in these apartments are going to see themselves really compromised.
“When you look at the likely demographics for people living in these places, they are likely to be people with young families and outdoor space is going to be an issue.”
But members of Redbridge Council’s planning policy team insisted all external and internal space standards were in line with the London Plan guidelines set out by the mayor’s office.
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“The policies within the Local Plan seek to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure necessary to support new development, which in turn will benefit the quality of life of residents and businesses in the borough,” said a Redbridge Council spokeswoman.
“Working closely with partners, coordinating with neighbouring boroughs and the effective use of planning obligations will be the mechanisms used to deliver the Plan’s vision and objectives.”
Over the course of the hearings, which began on June 6, Mr Smith has heard from a number of residents’ groups and interested parties on issues ranging from overdevelopment in southern Ilford to the controversial plan to build 800 homes on Oakfield Playing Fields in Barkingside.
Having heard representations from all concerned parties, the inspector will now set out a number of concerns he feels need to be addressed by Redbridge Council in a letter that will be delivered on July 28.
Then, on August 18, planning inspectorate advice and judgements on all issues raised at the meetings will be published.
