The Havering Council has approved plans to demolish St Bernard's Day Centre for new housing despite community objections regarding parking and design. The development, involving a three-storey flat block with nine homes, has faced criticism for being out of scale and setting a negative precedent in Harold Wood. Financial concerns have also emerged, as the £3.4 million investment comes at a time when the council is in a "perilous" financial position. However, the planning report concluded redevelopment is acceptable given the site's long vacancy since 2012.
Concerns were also raised by councillors in 2023 over the cost of the project to Havering Council. Councillors argued that Havering's "really perilous" financial position meant it should seek extra advice on the 3.4 million investment needed for the scheme.
Some residents said the "overbearing" design of the flats would be "out of scale and character" with the nearby area. One comment said: "It will set an unwanted precedent for development in this area of Harold Wood which will be detrimental to the neighbourhood feel and aesthetics of this area."
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