Barking and Dagenham is set to see yet another new housing development, after plans were given the go-ahead by the council.
This time around it’s Dagenham’s turn, with three parcels of land on Wood Lane, close to the Grade II-listed civic centre, due to be turned into new homes. The Beacontree Heath development will be made up of 82 flats, 46 of which will be made available for purchase under a shared-ownership scheme, and 42 three-bedroom houses.
The project is also set to deliver a new bus terminus and a retail space earmarked for a pharmacy.
The operations director at Countryside Partnerships South, the firm tasked with developing the land, said: “We believe that our plans for Becontree Heath will transform the area, whilst providing much-needed homes to the region and supporting new and existing communities.”
Barking and Dagenham’s strategic director of growth and homes, John East, said of the new housing: “This development forms an important part of the council’s wider strategic ambitions for Heath Ward.”
Meanwhile, in other good news for the region, eight schools in the Barking and Dagenham district have received ‘healthy living’ awards as part of the Mayor of London-sponsored Healthy Schools London scheme.
Four of the eight were awarded a ‘gold’ standard while the remainder received ‘silver’. The awards are granted to schools that promote healthy eating, along with physical activity, emotional health and wellbeing, and social and health education.
Taking ‘gold’ were Barking Abbey, Manor Infants, Marks Gate Juniors and Ripple Primary. Receiving a ‘silver’ award were Eastbury Community, Gascoigne Primary, Henry Green Primary and St Vincent’s Catholic Primary.
Attending the award ceremony, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “Pupils’ wellbeing is vital to building a healthier future. These winning schools are promoting the importance of good health and active lifestyles.”
