The proposed redevelopment of the old Abbey sports centre in Barking has been given the green light to begin despite a number of concerns being raised by campaigners.
Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of demolishing the former sports centre and replacing it with three tower blocks, rising 13 storeys high at the sight on Axe Street.
The development will include 170 new homes, 110 of which will be private, with the rest offered at a special rate below the open market. There will also be a two-screen cinema built as part of the project.
In line with London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s recommendations, a portion of the properties will be offered at the London Living rate, with another portion at 75 per cent of the discount market rate.
Pat Hayes, boss of Be First, the council backed regeneration firm said: “We’re now stepping up the pace of our programme to build much-needed new homes for the borough.
“What they all have in common is high quality and low rents for local people. And, that’s a combination that we’re determined to deliver more of in the next few years.”
The approval came despite Keith Scotcher, chairman of the Barking and Dagenham Heritage Group telling councillors that the open character of the heritage area would be boxed in by the proposed development.
He also accused council officers of misrepresenting Historic England’s position on the scheme.
However, the redevelopment was passed by councillors within 45 minutes.
