3 Gallions Close

Overview of 3 Gallions Close Residential Development

The 3 Gallions Close is a significant residential scheme in Barking, East London, and forms part of the evolving Thames Road Masterplan to regenerate an industrial estate into a vibrant mixed-use community. After securing unanimous planning approval by the Barking & Dagenham Planning Committee in September 2022, it was a significant step forward for delivering homes and improvements to the public realm. The scheme includes a podium courtyard and several five to fourteen-storey buildings, designed as an integrated residential cluster with active communal space and pedestrian/cycle routes at ground level. Gaining this endorsement demonstrates the project’s function of being a catalyst for urban change and mirrors current planning priorities concentrated on regeneration and housing provision.

A total of 233 homes, comprising part of the tenure of London Affordable Rent, are granted planning consent to facilitate a mix of housing types that meet the needs of different parts of the community. Provide a landscaped area, a pocket park with children’s play space, access works, and car parking serving the construction of a new connected residential community. The proposal accords with the principles set out in the Thames Road Masterplan, which promotes transitioning this area of Barking from primarily industrial use to residential living and amenity uses’ co-location into a 24-hour base for long-term neighbourhood improvement and urban renaissance.

Location Context and Connectivity

Situated in a borough that boasts convenience to central London alongside long-standing local facilities, 3 Gallions Close will provide future residents with initial access to transport links and places of work. The focus for the regeneration of the district is to create better pedestrian and cycle connections, linking housing blocks with local amenities and landscaped public space, which promote a quality everyday life and active mobility. In the context of the Greater Thames Road Masterplan, 3 Gallions Close is now poised to capitalise on comprehensive planning that has accounted for further development and local infrastructure improvements to ensure local vibrancy and a sustainable future.

The homes are set to attract a wide variety of buyers, from families, first-time buyers, to city professionals looking for somewhere new to enjoy all the area has to offer. The site is still at the planning and prospective phasing stage with no published completion date yet confirmed; however, as discussed above, the grant of planning permission demonstrates positive local authority support for the vision to deliver a new high-quality residential quarter. Strategic accessibility enhancements linked to the scheme will support integration with the wider community and enhanced connectivity by public transport around Barking and further afield.

Housing Mix and Proposed Features

The applicants’ plans for 3 Gallions Close, which comprise a total of 233 homes, also provide significant diversity in housing types reflective of current design aspirations and diverse household requirements. A significant percentage of units are built for affordable rent, consistent with local housing policies to ensure affordable living opportunities in new urban communities. The landscaped podium, located at the 4th level, and an adjacent pocket park with children’s play areas are key features within the residential context, promoting a healthy lifestyle and offering safe recreational zones that enrich the quality of life for future residents.

The architectural massing of the buildings is a combination of medium-rise and taller elements, which define the new skyline and fabric while addressing the scales across the site. The proposed use mix — residential, with related parking and landscaped public realm — is intended to create a sense of place supporting community life and distinct residential identity. The design of the scheme promotes walkability, visibility, and legibility between buildings and direct access to green open space, reinforcing yet again the project’s value-add for those looking to move into this new quarter of Barking.

Strategic Significance and Market Position

It makes a significant contribution to the borough’s housing delivery, targets, and regeneration objectives through the provision of substantial numbers of new homes and associated public realm improvements, offering improved residential choice and neighbourhood quality. Development consent is indicative of consensus as to the value of the project in addressing local housing need and promoting sustainable urban recycling.

An assessment of 3 Gallions Close should take into account the strategic desirability of the development in terms of its urban context, mixed tenure housing, and carefully designed outdoor areas for prospective residents and stakeholders. A detailed plan, photo visuals, unit layout, and indicative price will provide added value for potential buyers or investors in a new residential quarter as development planning advances toward delivery.