Approval for Barking Riverside from the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham planning committee follows the submission of what was the UK鈥檚 largest application for a single site in 2024.
The regeneration scheme is now said to be ready to transition from early delivery into accelerated long-term build-out.
More than 3,000 homes have already been built at Barking Riverside, with hundreds more under construction. But there is much more to come 鈥� up to 20,000 more across the 443-acre site.
Once complete, the development will provide more than 4,000 affordable homes in total, alongside extensive social infrastructure and green space. The approval marks a significant increase in scale for London鈥檚 largest development in single ownership 鈥� enabling an uplift from the originally consented 10,800 homes.
Homes England has already provided more than 拢170m in loan and grant funding over the past five years for enabling infrastructure.
The latest planning consent facilitates:
- up to 20,000 homes
- two public parks
- an additional health facility
- up to three additional schools
- two new community centres and extensive commercial space
- enhanced riverfront access and environmental protection
- improved walking and cycling infrastructure.
The project is delivered by master developer Barking Riverside Limited, a joint venture between housing association L&Q and the Mayor of London. The partnership combines one of the UK鈥檚 largest housing associations with City Hall鈥檚 strategic oversight, aligning ambition with long-term public purpose.
Deputy mayor for housing and residential development Tom Copley said: 鈥淏arking Riverside is one of the most significant and exciting housing developments not just in London but anywhere in the UK. It is a fantastic example of a major brownfield regeneration, supported by City Hall and partners, which is delivering for the local community in this vibrant part of east London. I welcome the news that the Barking Riverside story is set to enter its next phase, ensuring thousands of more high-quality and affordable homes for Londoners in the coming years as we continue to build a better and fairer capital for everyone.鈥�
Leigh Johnson, managing director of Barking Riverside Limited, said: 鈥淭his successful planning consent marks a genuine step change for Barking Riverside and for the role it can play in London鈥檚 growth. Yes, in relation to housing numbers, but also regarding place creation and the pace of delivery.鈥�
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