The proposed rear terrace at the Century Youth House. Credit: MLH/Havering Council
(Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sebastian Mann)
The scheme, lodged by Havering Council’s own homebuilder Mercury Land Holdings Ltd (MLH), will involve the partial demolition of Century Youth House in Albert Road.
A mix of two- and three-bedroom homes will be built in the area in a bid to ease a growing housing crisis in the borough.
The main school building will be converted into four new homes, while five new residences will be built to the rear. All other structures will be torn down.
The development will also involve new car parking spaces and associated landscaping.
Havering Council, which is legally separate from but entirely owns MLH, says the proposal will protect the historic core of the building, which dates back to the late 1800s.
Though the houses would have a modern look, the town hall says the school’s dedication plaque, dated 1883, will be preserved.
Building new homes has become a priority for the east London authority, as it faces a growing shortage.
In June, councillors were warned the demand for housing had begun rapidly outpacing supply.
The council is expected to begin 2025 with a £75million black hole in its budget – up from £32m this year – as it is forced to pay for at-risk residents to stay in expensive hotels.
It says the new homes in Albert Road will meet the needs of local families.
The Century Youth House was earmarked for housing in 2023, as part of the council’s asset disposal strategy for 2022 through 2028.
Conservative ward councillor Judith Holt told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I was concerned when the council disposed of the old school as an asset last year, but I look on this planning application fairly favourably.
“But, obviously, I will need to consult my residents.”
Other sites include the car parks in Como Street and Angel Way, which has caused controversy among residents concerned about overdevelopment, and other schools in Romford, Harold Hill and Hornchurch.
Though the council is yet to approve the plans for Century Youth House, councillor Graham Williamson, the cabinet member for development and regeneration, said the Havering “welcomed” the development.
He added: “Our goal is to create new homes to help meet the housing needs of our residents and we welcome this proposal which is sympathetic to the heritage of the building.”
If approved, construction of the new homes would begin in winter 2025.
