BRL has submitted a new Outline Planning Application that could see up to 20,000 new homes delivered at Barking Riverside – potentially creating a community of up to 50,000 people.

The new Outline Planning Application supports recent Government promises to instigate the largest housebuilding programme since the post war period, delivering a new generation of “new towns”. The new Outline Planning Application also reflects the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s recently adopted Local Plan.

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has labelled the City Hall-backed Barking Riverside “an inspiring model for how to fix our housing crisis” and “a blueprint” for national Government to follow, as Ministers set out plans for a fresh generation of new towns across the country.

Set on the banks of the River Thames, south of Barking in east London, Barking Riverside is a pioneering partnership between City Hall and the housing association L&Q. The development has recently benefitted from significant transport extensions, including the 2022 Barking Riverside Overground station. The site is also home to an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier, which also opened in 2022, to support mixed-modal journeys into central London.

The new Outline Planning Application sets out a vision to almost double the number of homes at Barking Riverside to 20,000, up from the 10,800 previously permitted. It also proposes enhanced green spaces, better connectivity in and around the neighbourhood, two additional primary schools, and better access to the River Thames.

With a significant amount of retail, employment and community space, the new Outline Planning Application will complement and enhance the amenities that have already been delivered at Barking Riverside. These include five schools – one of which is an Ofsted “Outstanding” secondary school – several nurseries, two community hubs, convenience stores, a coffee shop, and a number of play spaces.

Two large new parks – the 50-acre Ripple Park and 19-acre River Park – are proposed within the new Outline Planning application. Alongside this, BRL will continue to enhance the riverfront, creating amenity areas and promenades that respond to Barking Riverside’s unique location. This will be supported by improved walking and cycling routes within the site, including a number of “green connections” that enable residents to access the River Thames in a quicker and greener way.

In support of the new Outline Planning Application, Matthew Carpen, Managing Director of Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), said:

“We have invested over £400m into the early stages of Barking Riverside to deliver major pieces of social and physical infrastructure, including a new London Overground station and an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier. We have much more we wish to deliver, with the investment to date setting the foundation for the significant growth that is now proposed. We look forward to delivering our new masterplan for 20,000 homes, together with the amenities and services needed to support and attract a vibrant and growing population.”

“Whilst Barking Riverside is a standout brownfield development that has already delivered vitally needed new homes, we also know places like Barking Riverside are truly about people and communities. As well as meeting the need for housing, with much of this being affordable, the new masterplan aims to maximise public benefit – both for the growing community here and the whole of east London.”

 Sadiq Khan, The Mayor of London, said:

“Barking Riverside is a prime example of a new town in London, a pioneering partnership delivering thousands of new homes for Londoners.”

 “It’s an inspiring model of how to fix our housing crisis, with new public transport connections, schools, green spaces and a town centre making this a blueprint for how the next generation of English new towns could work.”

“I’m determined to do everything in my power to continue boosting homebuilding across London, as part of my plan to build a fairer, more prosperous city for all Londoners.”

Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chief Executive Officer at L&Q, said:

“The UK is in the grips of a housing and affordability crisis, which is getting worse. That has to change, and projects like Barking Riverside are part of the solution. This growing neighbourhood is delivering well-designed affordable homes and community infrastructure at scale. It is also a mission to create social and economic benefits, reduce inequality, and enable people to live better lives.”

“We believe Barking Riverside could be a blueprint for brownfield development across the country. None of this would be possible without partnerships, from L&Q and the Mayor of London to the many others contributing to the success of this place. Delivering the proposed new homes and infrastructure will be a wonderful next step at this exciting new neighbourhood.”