The creation of a new station at Beam Park in East London was designed to unlock the delivery of thousands of homes. However, there have been big delays in the project. This has led to concerns that it could be cancelled and reduce the amount of housing that can be built. We want to take a closer look at what is happening here and how a council has chosen to react. Then, if you need guaranteed rent in Havering, you can speak to us.

Transforming the area

A site at Beam Park that was formerly a manufacturing plant for Ford got planning consent in 2019 for a development of 3,000 new homes. An impressive 50% of them would have been affordable. The project was a 50/50 deal between Havering Council and housing association Notting Hill Genesis.

Part of the project was to build a new railway station in the area. This would have provided fantastic transport links for locals. It would have meant they could get a train locally instead of having to travel to Dagenham Dock.

The railway station was also pivotal for wider developments in the area. It would have allowed the creation of up to 20,000 homes in total. Another developer was already at work on this. However, without the station only 6,000 homes would be viable.

The station

There have been plans for a station at Beam Park since around 2002. However, the proposals took a massive leap forward in 2014 when it was included in GLA’s London Infrastructure Plan 2050. Then in 2016 GLA gave Havering Council £9.6m in funding.

Originally construction was to be complete by December 2020. But, GLA took over responsibility for the delivery towards the end of 2018. Planning consent was secured in 2019 and the goal was to finish the station by May 2022.

Sadly the whole project hit a roadblock in October 2021. Here the Department for Transport said they could not authorise the station’s opening. They had concerns about the running costs because of low projections of passenger numbers, even with extensive housebuilding in the area. Havering Council and GLA offered to cover any losses for up to ten years, but negotiations are ongoing. Unfortunately DfT don’t expect approval to come before 2024.

Havering’s commitment

While the future of the station remains in doubt, Havering Council is committing to building the 3,000 homes. They recently chose to buy out Notting Hill Genesis and take 100% control of the project. They will now look at future funding and arrangements for delivering the housing.

Do you want to try guaranteed rent in Havering?

This is an interesting part of London if you are looking to invest. Havering has some of the most affordable house prices in the city. It is also a very rural spot. It is popular with people who want to live in quieter locations but still be within the capital.

If you decide to buy assets, we have some great services for you. With guaranteed rent in Havering, your income is safe and you won’t have to worry about tenancies. It is convenient and very rewarding. You can contact us to learn more.