Scheme

The redevelopment of the 29-hectare former Ford site spans the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering. The proposals will deliver almost 4,000 new homes, a proposed new train station, two primary schools, a health centre and community facilities on the site which sits alongside the River Beam.

Phase 1 and part of phase 2 are on land in the London Borough of Havering, with the remaining phases on land in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Strategy

The engagement process had to be carefully considered given that the application boundary spanned two different local authorities with significantly different priorities. Clear messaging was established from the outset and aligned with the Councils’ own priorities and policy wherever possible, to ensure that a robust case could be made to the leadership and members in both authorities.

Considerable engagement was undertaken with the local community, resulting in significant levels of support being identified and presented to local authority members. Given that 50% of the site would be accessible open space and that infrastructure improvements included elements such as the new train station, significant weight was given to the public realm and transport improvements during engagement, resulting in further support from local residents.

Outcome

With residents now living in phases 1 and 2, Beam Park Phase B has also recently received unanimous approval at Barking and Dagenham’s Planning Committee.

Meeting Place was proud to support Vistry and L&Q, delivering a digitally led consultation that combined a dedicated project website and an interactive public webinar to ensure residents and stakeholders could have their say. Throughout the process, we worked closely with local councillors and community representatives to promote open, transparent and engaging dialogue around the proposals.
The approved plans for Phase B will deliver 405 new homes, with 50% affordable housing, alongside high-quality public spaces and sustainable design that will contribute to the ongoing transformation of Beam Park into a thriving riverside neighbourhood.