Peabody housing association has been granted planning permission for the first phase of its Dagenham Green scheme on the site of the former Ford factory.
Subject to agreement from the Environment Agency, the first 935 homes on the 45-acre site will be next to Dagenham Dock railway station, and will serve as the gateway to the wider masterplan area which secured outline planning approval in March.
The housing association has formed a joint venture with housebuilder the Hill Group to deliver the project and will start work on the scheme early next year.
The development will deliver more than 3,500 homes, 1,640 of which will be affordable.
Phase one will also provide 440,000 sq ft of public realm and landscaping, with 162,000 sq ft of play space outlined in the wider masterplan.
Peabody completed the purchase of the site from Europa Capital and St Congar in 2021. The plans for the development were designed by architects at PRP and HTA Design.
James McMylor, regional managing director of development at Peabody, said: “Peabody is committed to ensuring the Dagenham Green community works for new and existing residents, many of whom have had their say about the proposals during consultation, helping us better understand the aspirations and needs of the local community.
“The site will reflect the rich heritage of Dagenham, focusing on the natural landscape history, automotive history and cultural history of the area. Phase one draws on inspiration from the marshland and will honour the legacy of the women who took part in the Ford sewing machinists’ strikes.”
Peabody’s plans include a heritage trail and design representation in the buildings to honour the legacy of the Dagenham women who led the fight for equal pay through strikes in 1968 and 1984.
Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell said: “Where Ford once had its stamping plant, we will see new affordable homes and key facilities, including a new secondary school and medical centre at Dagenham Green.
“This project from Peabody will also see more green spaces with the development of a new urban park, a children’s play area and new cycle and pedestrian routes as we continue to make Barking and Dagenham a greener borough.
“It’s wonderful to see the site’s heritage will be embraced.”
Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing and regeneration, said: “With soaring prices and a rental market that is under considerable strain, we need more high-quality, genuinely affordable homes and this is a fantastic step towards building a better London for everyone.”
Manisha Patel, senior partner at architect PRP, said: “This will bring forward the first phase transformation of the former brownfield site into a connected, new urban community centred around sustainable social amenity, active uses and public realm.
“The integrated approach to homes and open spaces will enhance health and wellbeing, encourage communities to stay together and cater to diverse needs by providing high-quality, innovative home typologies that can adapt to different lifestyles and changing family structures.”
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