A decision has been put back on whether to approve changes to play space at the development of a former mini golf course in Upminster.
Havering Council approved plans for 35 homes on the site of the course in Hall Lane in October 2022 and the development is underway, a report said.
An initial outline proposal, green-lighted in 2020, generated more than 880 objections.
A bid lodged by Abbey Developments in October to vary one of the conditions of the 2022 approval was discussed at a meeting of the council’s strategic planning committee on July 18.
This would see the creation of an informal play area rather than a formal play area.
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Councillors previously described the scheme as a “potential asset for Havering,” but the committee also rallied against the provision of a playground.
The developers have proposed an “informal play space” suitable for a range of age groups, instead of the formal playground – complete with swings and slides – approved four years ago.
The original plans for a playground were replaced with fake climbable rocks, seating and ornamental planters, which drew criticism.
Cranham ward councillors opposed the plans on the grounds that, while a more natural space was “admirable,” the new proposals would have “limited opportunities” for children.
Conservative committee member Cllr Dilip Patel said the developers had “sold a dream” but “now, suddenly, they don’t want those children there”.
Havering granted outline planning permission, initially for 37 homes, to its own development company in 2020 but the decision on the “surplus” land was met with fury from residents.
Resident Lynden Alexander told the committee that July opposition to the application had “united the community” and, due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, “the value of open space is probably one hundred times more important than it was perceived to be in 2019”.
Cllr Jane Keane said she was “not impressed” to see the “very well thought through,” if controversial, plans change. She said: “The families will have kids and a place to play would be really important.”
She added the “quality of the experience” was what “really mattered” when the scheme was first given approval.
The land will be owned by the council but maintained by the developer, and the authority has specified it must be open to the public.
The homes will line Hall Lane land with some open space preserved, according to a report put before the committee.
A consultation of 90 nearby homes received four responses, with residents raising concerns over the area already being “overdeveloped” and that the new development may lead to issues with parking and traffic.
On top of the new homes, the council also wants to see £120,000 for improvements to Upminster Hall Playing Fields and a further £55,000 for local landscaping.
During the meeting, ward councillor John Tyler warned that the £55,000 was “inadequate” for the area.
Cllr Keane, who represents St Alban’s ward, expressed concern it could end up being “swallowed up in a budget deficit”.
With no councillor certain as to where the money would be spent, Cllrs Patel and Ray Best put forward a motion to defer the debate.
It will now return before the committee at a later date, where the developers will need to provide a more precise breakdown of the £55,000.
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