Save Como Street Car Park
Below is an indication of the views from the proposed 9-storey tower block that Havering Council may approve. The deadline to object to this planning application is Thursday 11th September 2025 (updated from the original deadline of 05/09). Please go to the How To Object page to find out how to object to this proposed development. We have uploaded the application documents (46 in total) to the Key Link and Docs page, start with the document numbered 44 Planning Statement/D&A - Design and Access Statement (the doc links often do not work well with Google Chrome, so try Edge, Safari or FireFox web browsers - please get in touch with us if you need support) - then read/browse a few other docs that catch your interest.
Drone footage from 9 storeys high, Como Street Car Park - the privacy of many residents will be impacted.
The Current Situation:
Havering Council, owner of Como Street Car Park, previously approved the sale of the site in August 2023. Although no sale has taken place to date, Havering Council will look to sell the site to Mercury Land Holdings Ltd (MLH) - Havering Council's own property development company. MLH plans to build three large apartment blocks, up to nine storeys tall.
The proposed development adds yet more high-rise blocks to a town centre already facing a strain on public services. There are serious concerns about:
- Overcrowding in local GP surgeries and schools.
- Pressure on water, drainage, and public transport.
- Loss of visual character in a historic town centre.
Como Street Car Park has long served as a vital, practical resource for residents, visitors, and businesses in Romford.
Now, it’s under threat from an unnecessary development that risks damaging our town’s infrastructure, character, and future.
UPDATE - 06/08/2025
The planning application for Como Street Car Park has now been submitted. You can read the application and plans online. The deadline for objections is 11th September 2025. *PLEASE NOTE: TO VIEW THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IT IS NOT ADVISED TO USE THE GOOGLE CHROME BROWSER - AS MANY USERS EXPERIENCE ISSUES. EDGE (MICROSOFT) OR FIREFOX/SAFARI (MAC) SHOULD WORK FINE.
Image: Planned tower blocks for the Como Street Car Park site
Who benefits from the Como Street Car Park development?
- Not the nearby residents and businesses.
- Not the borough's 1200 families in temporary accommodation.
- Not Romford residents who will face additional competition for critical infrastructure.
- Not the local area, which will feel claustrophobic and characterless.