Council rejects Barking noodle factory expansion plans
The plans were refused because the sites lies on land set aside for housing in Barking Riverside - Credit: Archant
Councillors denied a noodle business the opportunity to expand its factory on Monday night because Boris Johnson wants the area for housing.
Members of the Development Control Board unanimously rejected plans to extend SCL House, in River Road, Barking, which would have created six full-time jobs.
Home to Lion Noodles, distributors of industrial, dry and fresh noodles currently employing 23 full-time and up to 13 part-time workers, the proposals would have seen the factory almost double in size to 2,124sq m.
However the site, much of it consisting of dense vegetation, is allocated for housing under the Mayor of London’s London Riverside Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF).
The policy aims to change the use of the industrial land surrounding Thames Road, including the noodle factory, to develop better links between Barking Riverside and Barking town centre and integrate the Thames View estate into the wider community.
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Although councillors voted in unison, some needed convincing that turning down an opportunity to create jobs was the right decision.
“I can’t imagine that site being a good area for building houses,” said Cllr Dan Young.
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“You think the Mayor saying this is a housing site and building homes makes this a housing site?
“I don’t think getting rid of a business will redevelop the area.”
But Cllr Cameron Geddes, cabinet member for regeneration, insists the decision sends out a clear message about the borough’s long-term ambition.
“It’s just the start of the process, a process that will totally transform the area,” he said.
“This is a very small part of a huge undertaking where we’re trying to work with the [Greater London Authority] to transform the area.
“The signal it will send out to people is that Barking and dagenham are serious about this massive transformation.”
Lion Noodles were approached by the Post but they refused to comment.
What do you think of the decision?
Email mark.shles@archant.co.uk or call 020 8477 3824.
