The blueprint for thousands of new homes across Barking Riverside has been outlined by the Mayor of London, with the launch of a six-week public consultation.
The draft London Riverside Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) sets out the planning, regeneration and design strategy expected to create 26,500 new homes and up to 16,000 jobs over the next 20 years.
Described as the capital’s “single largest housing development opportunity”, the 12km site stretches along the River Thames from the Royal Docks in Newham and across Barking and Dagenham to Rainham Marshes in Havering.
In addition to the sites already ear-marked for development, industrial land in the Thames Road, River Road and Ford Stamping Plant areas could also be used for homes.
The area could also be set for major transport boosts with the extension of the Gospel Oak London Overground line, a new railway station at Beam Park, A13 improvements and new river crossings all suggested.
The plans, which include the creation of an extra five primary and two secondary schools, have been welcomed by Barking and Dagenham Council.
Cllr Cameron Geddes, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This announcement is fantastic news for the future growth of the borough.
“Under the new political leadership the council has significantly stepped up its relationship with the Mayor of London and the GLA and when he visited Barking Riverside last year to launch the London Infrastructure Plan 2050, he acknowledged the excellent opportunities the area offered and the crucial part it has to play in the capital’s future.
“The Mayor’s consultation document is an exemplar of how key decision makers and opinion formers are waking up to our status as London’s growth opportunity.”
One of 38 across the capital, opportunity areas are brownfield sites identified with significant capacity for new housing, commercial and other development linked to existing or potential improvements to public transport accessibility.
Sir Edward Lister, deputy mayor for planning said: “The capital is now home to a record number of people and we are working tirelessly to ensure we have the homes, jobs and transport infrastructure to support the city’s unprecedented growth.
“London Riverside can deliver genuinely affordable high quality housing for Londoners in a fantastic Thameside setting.”
The consultation on the draft will be open until Friday, March 20.
For more information or to see the document visit london.gov.uk/priorities/planning/consultations/london-riverside-opportunity-area-planning-framework.
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