Decision details

In July 2015, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a London Housing Zone, which provides Government and GLA grant and loan funding to unlock housing delivery, in Barking Town Centre.

The Cabinet will be asked to support the establishment of a second London Housing Zone in the Borough, named Barking Riverside Gateways, which could unlock housing delivery along Thames Road and part of River Road.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree to enter into the Overarching Borough Agreement and associated Intervention Agreement(s) with the Greater London Authority, forming the basis for the Housing Zone arrangements with the Council, as set out in the report;

(ii)  Agree to the principle of a phased redevelopment of the area shown in Appendix 1 for a housing-led, mixed used development;

(iii)  Agree to the principle of procuring a long term funding partner with a view to managing the area and holding property over the long term;

(iv)  Delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Growth and Homes, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Finance and Investment, the Director of Law and Governance and the Cabinet Members for Finance and Regeneration, to approve land purchases within the Barking Riverside Gateways Housing Zone area, subject to available funding;

(v)  Agree that, should negotiations with landowners not progress, the Council use its Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) making powers pursuant to Section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (As Amended) for the acquisition of the leasehold and freehold interests in the properties for the purposes of securing land needed to allow the redevelopment of these areas;

(vi)  Delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Growth and Homes, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, to take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of a CPO within the Housing Zone area including the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry;

(vii)  Agree that the GLA Housing Zone funding of £30m shall not be used to purchase any of the Council’s property interests in the area and used instead to provide a receipt or income stream from subsequent development; and

(viii)  Agree that a further report be presented to Cabinet on options for the delivery of new homes on the site.