New homes in Redbridge – what's the story?

Plans for 18,474 new homes in Redbridge over the next 15 years were outlined at a council meeting last week when councillors met to discuss a draft version of the Local Plan for housing in the borough.

At least 32,000 new homes are needed to meet growing demand by 2020, the draft report found, but projects to make this so aren’t without local opposition. 

For example, there has been widespread protest against the planned development of 800 new homes on the Oakfields Playing Fields in Barkingside.

However, a proposed change by Councillor Nick Hayes – recommending that the land be designated as local public space – was rejected by the majority of councillors.

The reason put forward for this was the councillors’ eagerness not to close doors on any potential options. As Councillor Varinder Singh Bola put it: “We are discussing the housing plans for this borough for the next 15 years” – with all ideas put on the table and none dismissed at this this early stage.

Circumstances could change in the future, which is why the council seem keen to keep all their options open at this point. 

The Local Plan draft will be discussed by cabinet on June 7 and then the full council on July 21. If it is approved, a consultation period will then follow in July and September before the plan is then submitted to the Secretary of State in the autumn. 

As one of the leading independent estate agents in the borough of Redbridge, we at Sandra Davidson are encouraged by these plans to further develop and grow the borough. 

It can only be a good thing for the local property market if more new homes are built, more first-time buyers are attracted to the area and more homes are available to rent. 

While concerns about open space are absolutely justified, if these can be worked around in a satisfactory way then it will to the benefit of all of Redbridge’s inhabitants.

As London’s population continues to grow outwards, areas like Redbridge are in the perfect position to take advantage of this increased demand. 

The noises being made by the council – and the news that more than 18,000 new homes are in the offing – certainly gives us reasons to be cheerful.

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