Plans to transform the underused Dorrington Gardens car park into new housing have taken a major step forward, following approval by Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee.

The approved scheme will see the creation of 34 new homes, comprising a mix of houses and apartments. The development will also feature on-site car parking, play areas, and dedicated amenity space to serve future residents.

Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, said: "This review by the Strategic Planning Committee is a key milestone for the project's approval process, and one we welcome, although not being specifically built by Council.

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"The Committee evaluated the proposal's compliance with planning regulations, its benefits to the community and any potential concerns raised by local residents for an asset which was not being fully utilised."

The project is being led by Mercury Land Holdings, Havering Council’s wholly owned housing company, as part of the borough's Asset Disposal Scheme, which seeks to repurpose underused public land for residential use.

Garry Green, Director at Mercury Land Holdings, said: "This scheme is the fourth project for Mercury Land Holdings that we have acquired from Havering Council as part of the Asset Disposal Scheme to create much-needed homes for local people in Havering.

"We welcomed the opportunity to showcase the proposals for the scheme which is an imaginative repurposing of the existing car park site into the proposed housing development for local people.

"Our schemes will provide more choice and flexibility for Havering residents looking to rent locally."