Barking Riverside submits application for 10,000 more homes

Barking Riverside Ltd, a joint venture between the mayor of London and L&Q has submitted an application to deliver 20,000 homes at its development Barking Riverside. The plan supports the government’s promises to instigate the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war period, delivering a new generation of “new towns”, and reflecting the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s recently adopted Local Plan.  London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has labelled the City Hall-backed Barking Riverside “an inspiring model for how to fix our housing crisis” and “a blueprint” for national government to follow as ministers set out plans for a fresh generation of new towns across the country. The application sets out to double the number of homes at Barking Riverside to 20,000, up from the 10,800 previously permitted. It also proposes enhanced green spaces, better connectivity in and around the neighbourhood, two additional primary schools, and better access to the River Thames. With a significant amount of retail, employment and community space, the application will complement and enhance the amenities that have already been delivered at Barking Riverside. These include five schools and several nurseries, two community hubs, convenience stores, a coffee shop and a number of play spaces. Two new parks – the 50-acre Ripple Park and 19-acre River Park – also form part of the plans. Matthew Carpen, managing director of Barking Riverside Ltd, said: “We have invested over £400m into the early stages of Barking Riverside to deliver major pieces of social and physical infrastructure, including a new London Overground station and an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier. We have much more we wish to deliver, with the investment to date setting the foundation for the significant growth that is now proposed. We look forward to delivering our new masterplan for 20,000 homes, together with the amenities and services needed to support and attract a vibrant and growing population.” Khan said: “Barking Riverside is a prime example of a new town in London, a pioneering partnership delivering thousands of new homes for Londoners. “It’s an inspiring model of how to fix our housing crisis, with new public transport connections, schools, green spaces and a town centre making this a blueprint for how the next generation of English new towns could work. I’m determined to do everything in my power to continue boosting homebuilding across London, as part of my plan to build a fairer, more prosperous city for all Londoners.” Fiona Fletcher-Smith, chief executive at L&Q, said: “The UK is in the grips of a housing and affordability crisis, which is getting worse. That has to change, and projects like Barking Riverside are part of the solution. This growing neighbourhood is delivering well-designed affordable homes and community infrastructure at scale. It is also a mission to create social and economic benefits, reduce inequality, and enable people to live better lives.” Image © NLA