Plans to build thousands of new homes on a former Ford factory site in London have been given permission by the mayor’s office despite being rejected by one of the two host councils.

Plans initially submitted by L&Q and house builder Countryside for the derelict site at Beam Park, in Dagenham, included 2,899 homes but this was raised to 3,000 houses, with 50 per cent of them being affordable housing. The scheme will also see a new rail station, two primary schools, a nursery, community facilities, retail and open spaces provided.

Around 195 new jobs are expected to be created by the development. Barking and Dagenham Council approved the proposals but neighbouring Havering Council rejected the scheme on the basis that the development would harm the character of the local area.

The development sits within the London Riverside Opportunity Area, which has the potential to deliver at least 26,500 new homes and 16,000 new jobs, the mayor’s office said.

By Patrick Mooney, editor