Statement of Community Engagement

For and on behalf of Optimisation Developments Limited Current Romford Ice Arena, Rom Valley Way

Prepared by Camargue November 2012

Contents

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Executive summary ............................................................................................................... 3 Introduction and background ................................................................................................. 4 Morrisons approach to consultation ...................................................................................... 6 Feedback mechanisms ......................................................................................................... 8 Responses to consultation .................................................................................................... 9 Analysis of written feedback received during the public consultation period ...................... 10 Response to feedback ......................................................................................................... 19 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 21 Appendices .......................................................................................................................... 22

Figures

Figure 1. Map identifying the Rom Valley Way site and the Western Road sites ......................... 4 Figure 2. Chart showing responses to Question 1 ...................................................................... 10 Figure 3. Chart showing responses to Question 2 ...................................................................... 11

1.

Executive summary

Optimisation Developments Limited (Morrisons) is bringing forward proposals for a new Morrisons foodstore and housing development on the current Romford Ice Arena site, located off Rom Valley Way. The proposals include a new foodstore, petrol filling station, car wash and up to 71 residential units.

This Statement of Community Engagement (SCE) supports a planning application for the proposals.

In May 2012, Morrisons began a programme of public consultation on its plans for the Rom Valley Way site. As Morrisons plans for the Rom Valley Way site are interlinked with the London Borough of Haverings proposals for a new leisure centre on Western Road, the plans were presented and explained to the public at a joint public exhibition. This ensured that queries were directed to the appropriate project team and members of the public could understand the relationship between the two projects and planning applications. Similarly, Morrisons consultation website provides links to Haverings proposals and contact details.

The public exhibition was held on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 July 2012 in the Romford Central Library on St Edwards Way and was well advertised in the weeks leading up to it. Since these events, contact with key local stakeholders has been maintained through telephone calls and update letters to keep them fully up to speed on the plans.

Throughout the public consultation, residents and stakeholders were able to view and give feedback on the proposals through a variety of channels. The plans were available to view at the public exhibition and on the scheme website, www.morrisonsromford.co.uk. Feedback forms were available at the event and a comment facility was also available on the website. Queries could also be addressed to the project team in person at the public exhibition, via a telephone helpline, via an email address or in writing.

A total of 293 people attended the exhibition over the three days. During the pre-application public consultation period, 83 written representations were received from stakeholders and residents. This included 61 feedback forms and 22 responses submitted online on the project website or via email. Analysis of the feedback received shows that 67 per cent of respondents either fully support or support, with reservations the proposals for Rom Valley Way.

All comments have been reviewed in the context of the plans and, where possible, suggestions and issues have been fed into the final planning application.

2.

Introduction and background

2.1. Introduction This SCE outlines Morrisons approach to public consultation on its proposals for the site of the current Romford Ice Arena on Rom Valley Way and reports on the feedback received from stakeholders and the public during the pre-application consultation period.

2.2. The site The application site comprises the current Romford Ice Arena and a car park and is situated in the Brooklands ward of the London Borough of Havering. The site is bordered by a car park to the north (owned by the London Borough of Havering), Rom Valley Way / A125 to the east, and with Queens Hospital adjacent to the site to the west.

Figure 1. Map identifying the Rom Valley Way site and the Western Road site

2.3 The proposals Morrisons planning application seeks: Detailed planning permission for the erection of a foodstore within Class A1(Retail) Use, petrol filling station, associated parking and landscaping together with changes to the existing access off Rom Valley Way and the formation of a new access/egress for service vehicles and egress for customers onto Rom Valley Way; and Outline planning permission for a residential scheme of up to 71 residential units comprising a mix of three-bedroom town houses and two blocks of one and two-bed flats. This element of the application seeks approval solely for the proposed means access, with all other details to be dealt with as Reserved Matters.

2.4 Overview of consultation methodology This SCE follows the guidelines set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2012), which encourages pro-active communication between applicants, local planning authorities and local communities. It states: Early engagement has significant potential to improve the effectiveness of the planning system for all parties. Good quality pre-application discussion enables better coordination between public and private resources and improved outcomes for the community.

The NPPF advises that local planning authorities should, where appropriate, encourage applicants to engage with the local community where they are not required to do so by law. The NPPF also states that: The planning system can play an important role in facilitating social interaction and creating healthy, inclusive communities.

This SCE also follows the guidelines set out in the London Borough of Haverings Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) (adopted February 2006), which states: Havering Council is very keen that citizens take an active part in decisions affecting them and their communities. The London Borough of Haverings SCI also states: The Council generally encourages prospective applicants to engage with parties affected by their intended developments before submitting an application.

Throughout the consultation process, Morrisons sought to follow the consultation methods set out in the Councils SCI, which include: Documents available for inspection Letters / emails to consultees Media including local press releases and advertisements Internet Leaflets Public exhibitions Questionnaires Role of councillors

Morrisons tailored its consultation programme as far as possible to meet the needs of the local community and sought to engage all relevant stakeholders in the process to maximise opportunities for feedback. Feedback gained through consultation has been considered and, where possible and appropriate, incorporated into the proposals.

Pre-application consultation is an effective process for informing people about policies and proposals in good time, enabling communities to comment on and participate in the development of planning applications. Morrisons publicised the proposals and the consultation events through a wide variety of channels to maximise public involvement in the process. 3. Morrisons approach to consultation

Morrisons recognises the importance and value of involving local residents and organisations in the planning and development process. Equally, as indicated in the London Borough of Haverings SCI, local councillors play an important role in communicating with citizens and therefore Morrisons sought to ensure relevant councillors were briefed and updated on the plans.

In advance of the public exhibition, Morrisons sought to introduce its proposals and advertise the exhibition to local councillors, stakeholders and the wider public through the following means:

Pre-application meetings with officers from the London Borough of Havering An introductory letter, giving details of the public exhibition and inviting recipients to a stakeholder preview session, sent on 11 July 2012 to all members of the London Borough of Havering, Andrew Rosindell MP and Roger Evans AM

A scheme flyer (see Appendix A) outlining the proposals and the details of the public exhibition delivered to approximately 5,916 neighbouring properties via a hand delivered solo flyer drop in the week commencing 9 July 2012 6

An exhibition invitation letter sent via post, in addition to the solo flyer delivery, to 181 site neighbours on 11 July 2012 An advertisement (see Appendix B) publicising the public exhibition published in the East London Enquirer on 12 July 2012, the Romford Recorder on 13 July 2012, and the Yellow Advertiser on 18 July 2012

Morrisons proposes to redevelop the current Romford Ice Arena on Rom Valley Way. The London Borough of Havering proposes to deliver a new leisure development in the town centre, which includes a new ice rink and swimming pool. The plans were presented and explained to the public at a joint public exhibition between both parties. A joint exhibition display panel enabled queries to be directed to the right project team and for the public to understand the relationship between the two projects and planning applications (see Appendix C). Morrisons proposals were available to view on a series of display panels at the exhibition (see Appendix D) alongside the London Borough of Haverings plans (see Appendix E). Further non-scheme specific information about Morrisons was shown on three other panels (see Appendix D). The public exhibition was held over three days: Thursday 19 July (2pm 8pm), Friday 20 July (12pm 6pm) and Saturday 21 July (10am 4pm). It was held in Romford Central Library in the town centre and was easily accessible by bus, cycle or by foot, ensuring that all those with an interest in the plans were given the opportunity to visit the exhibition. The timings for the public exhibition which included a weekday evening, a market day and a weekend day were selected to help maximise the opportunity for local residents, shoppers and other key stakeholders to attend. In addition, a stakeholder preview session was held on Thursday 19 July, from 1.30pm until 2pm, prior to opening to the public, to which local political stakeholders were invited by letter.

For those unable to attend the exhibition, the information on display was also made available online on the scheme website, www.morrisonsromford.co.uk. A link to the London Borough of Haverings website and contact details for the leisure developments project team were also displayed on Morrisons website to ensure queries were directed to the right team.

Morrisons sought to collect feedback from local councillors, stakeholders and the public and invited any further queries through a variety of means:

Feedback forms available at the public exhibition (see Appendix F); The consultation and scheme website with online feedback facility and downloadable information, reflecting that available at the exhibition; A consultation telephone line, email address and postal address publicised to the public on literature and in written correspondence;

Liaison with site neighbours and local residents via written, telephone and email correspondence; and Liaison with those interested in employment opportunities in the scheme.

A number of political stakeholders attended the preview session or wider public exhibition. These were: Councillor Michael White (Conservative, Squirrels Heath), Leader of the Council Councillor Linda Hawthorn (Residents Group, Upminster), member of the Regulatory Services Committee Councillor Ron Ower (Residents Group, Upminster), member of the Regulatory Services Committee

4. Feedback mechanisms

A number of mechanisms were provided for people to leave feedback, including mechanisms to enable those who could not visit the exhibition to submit their views and comments.

4.1. Feedback forms Double-sided A4 feedback forms were available at the public exhibition for attendees to complete at the event or to post back to the address provided. The feedback form sought attendees views on the proposals. The views provided have been taken into account as the proposals have been formulated. The feedback form asked for attendees views on the following questions: 1. Did you find the exhibition informative? 2. Do you support Morrisons plans that will help unlock the new leisure centre in Romford town centre as well as deliver a new foodstore, petrol station and new homes? 3. Do you have any further comments?

4.2. Contact channels A dedicated consultation telephone line was available throughout the consultation and remains open during standard office hours (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm), with an out-of-hours answerphone. The telephone line offers residents an easily accessible way to contact a member of the development team. The telephone number was publicised through the scheme flyer, on invitation letters, at the public exhibition, on the Morrisons Romford consultation website and via local newspaper advertisements.

A postal address was provided for all written correspondence and this was publicised at the public exhibition, on the feedback forms provided at the public exhibition and on the Morrisons Romford consultation website.

An email address was also advertised at the public exhibition, in the press advertisement and on the scheme website. Comment through these channels was widely encouraged.

4.3. Website and online feedback forms The dedicated scheme consultation website at www.morrisonsromford.co.uk provides information about the proposals as well as contact details for the team. Prior to 19 July 2012, the site featured a pre-exhibition page to advertise the public exhibition. From 19 July onwards, the website contained a link to the public exhibition display boards. Feedback on the plans could be submitted using an online comment facility, which asked the same questions as the hard copy feedback forms available at the exhibition. A screen shot of the project website can be found in Appendix G.

5. Responses to consultation

5.1. Introduction 83 written representations were received from stakeholders and residents during the public consultation. Details of how these responses were submitted are given in the sections below.

5.2. Feedback forms 61 completed feedback forms were submitted either at the exhibition or later via post.

5.3. Email and telephone To date, seven emails were received at the email address as well as 15 online feedback forms. Where appropriate, the project team has responded to enquiries. Approximately 10 calls were received on the telephone line.

5.4. Activity since the public exhibition Following the public exhibition, Morrisons has continued to engage with and receive feedback from the local community through a variety of channels. Contact has been maintained with various stakeholders.

On 29 October 2012, representatives of Morrisons met with Councillor Andrew Curtin, ward member for Romford Town and Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns and Communities, to brief him on the plans and answer any questions. On 22 November 2012, Morrisons also met Andrew Rosindell MP to discuss the proposals.

The email address, postal address and consultation telephone line have remained open for enquiries and remain open at the time of finalising this report.

6. Analysis of written feedback received during the public consultation period

6.1. Introduction In total, Morrisons received written representations from 83 individuals. 61 of these were hard copy feedback forms submitted at or following the public exhibition. 15 of these were online forms submitted via the project website. In addition, seven emails were received at the consultation email address. The analysis below, in sections 6.2 to 6.3, collates the answers to the tick-box questions included on the feedback forms. Sections 6.4 and 6.5 summarise the comments given by respondents on feedback forms and by email.

6.2. The public exhibition The hard copy feedback form asked, in Question 1: Did you find our public exhibition informative? It offered the options: Very informative, Somewhat informative, Not informative and I did not attend. This question was not asked on the online form.

Of the 54 respondents who expressed a preference, 96 per cent found the public exhibition to be Very informative or Somewhat informative.

Did you find our public exhibition informative?

Percentage of those who expressed a preference 4%

Very informative 38% 58% Somewhat informative Not informative

Figure 2. Chart showing responses to Question 1

6.3. The proposals The feedback form question on the proposals asked: Do you support Morrisons' plans that will help to unlock the new leisure centre in Romford town centre as well as deliver a new foodstore, petrol station and new homes? It offered the options Fully support, Support, with reservations, Do not support and Neutral/Do not know. This was asked on both the hard copy feedback form and the online form.

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Of those respondents who expressed a preference, a total of 67 per cent of respondents answered that they fully supported the proposals or supported the proposals, with reservations.

Do you support Morrisons' plans?

Percentage of those who expressed a preference 8.7% Fully support

24.6%

40.6%

Support, with reservations Do not support

Neutral / Do not know 26.1%

Figure 3. Chart showing responses to Question 2

6.4. Comments on Morrisons proposals The analysis below categorises the comments received on feedback forms, online forms and via email and indicates the frequency with which each issue was raised. It also provides a number of sample comments for each category.

General support In total, 31 respondents submitted positive comments on the redevelopment proposals. Many of these were comments which expressed general support for the overall proposals. Comments included: The display at Romford library of Morrisons proposals for housing and supermarket etc... Appear quite practical, easily accessible and well set out. A wise and commercially attractive development A lovely and unprecedented idea Good luck with this and it will make a big difference to me.

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Yes, certainly I am very happy to hear future plans for expansion of Morrisons food store coming to Havering in the next couple of years. I feel this will be very well received by the local people [...] I am in full support of both these developments, which I feel will give a long-awaited boost to Romford and the local community. Yes I think it would be a bonus to Romford town centre. I think it is a very good plan and I hope it all goes through well. The plans for Morrisons shop, housing and petrol station are welcomed. The news that Morrisons were planning to build a store, petrol station and housing plus a leisure centre was received by us as positive and welcoming news of a development in our town.

Increased choice, competition and the need for a foodstore In total, 21 respondents gave comments on these issues. 12 respondents referred to the benefit of increased food retail choice and competition in the Romford area. Nine respondents questioned the need for a new foodstore. Comments included: It would be good for Romford to have Morrisons because I feel competition would keep other outlets "on their toes" i.e. Prices etc... In principal I think a new supermarket would be a good idea as we are swamped by Tesco stores. We are currently held captive with the providers at the hospital who have a limited range and quite expensive seeing as we have been on a pay freeze for two years. A Morrisons is great news; long overdue and competition for Tesco! I think having Morrisons in Romford would add a very good supermarket and more competition. Which is what Romford would benefit from. Do we really need another superstore with petrol station positioned in between Sainsbury and Tesco?

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If this is the only way to get the amenities shown in Western Road then maybe it is worth it, but we already have Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's large stores in the immediate vicinity. Do we really need another supermarket? The location is not ideal for those on foot, and deliveries may have to take circuitous routes to reach the store. Another supermarket is not needed in the area. I'm not sure that yet another supermarket is needed in this area - we already have a Tesco (free parking) and a Sainsburys in the area both with petrol stations, and an ASDA - will the customers just get spread thinner over all the supermarkets?

Need for new housing 18 respondents commented on the need for new housing in the local area. Three respondents reflected on Morrisons plans positively in relation to this issue, while 15 respondents referred to a lack of need for new homes in Romford or queried the scale of development. Comments included: Housing is a good idea to help local people. Need new homes, a lot more new homes. There is too much new housing being proposed in such a small area. It is a good idea for all the job opportunities but it will seem as though we are living in a concrete jungle. Like the design of Morrisons but dislike the housing, Romford is overcrowded!!! The leisure centre and ice rink should be developed on the Rom Valley Way if anywhere. No objection to more retail competition but I do not see the need for more housing when there are numerous unfinished/cancelled housing developments in the town already. It seems a shame that the plan will include even more housing - every available plot of land seems to be being used for extra housing. Housing that may not be sold [...] The area is already too cramped with development.

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I am concerned about the overdevelopment of the area, regarding residential units and would like to see no more than the 65 units proposed on the final development.

Traffic and congestion 17 respondents gave comments on traffic and congestion. Most commonly, these comments pertained to the Rom Valley Way junction. Comments included: Only concern is traffic near the hospital. Impact on traffic already a congested area. [...] Adding more exits and potentially a roundabout can only, in my view, further add to existing problems and create problems in South Street. I understand that the aim of the development is to include solutions to existing issues but I am not convinced of the ability to succeed. Traffic consideration in Rom Valley Way including access to the hospital is already a nightmare and it just seems to be a question of we'll try to sort it, but can you? Traffic flows on Rom Valley will increase considerably resulting in possible gridlock. The Morrisons development will add to traffic problems which will certainly arise from the Oldchurch development. All this traffic will put pressure on the ring road. [...] the area surrounding the hospital is gridlocked most days at visiting times and when the Clinics are being held [...] with the siting of the supermarket close to the hospital along with the proposed housing development also, the area will be even more congested.

New jobs 11 respondents reflected positively on or expressed an interest in the new jobs that would be created by the scheme. Comments included: Great innovation to create jobs within the area. Good opportunities for jobs.

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I am all for the fact that it will create jobs Good point about Morrisons bringing in more jobs The project can only bring prosperity and jobs to this area I also hope that local people will get priority for filling the new jobs. Morrisons offer Nine respondents gave positive comments specifically about Morrisons or its in-store offer. Comments included: I do shop at the Morrisons near the Becontree Centre and find the prices on everyday items better value than the other supermarkets. I have used Morrisons elsewhere and do like the brand so will look forward to using this site. I like shopping at Morrisons but because I do not have a car and my nearest one is in Dagenham I am very happy there is one being built in Romford, especially as it will be in easy reach of where I live. I have spoken with a wide variety of local people and they think Morrisons is a great company.

Shared access Nine respondents queried the shared access with the Queens Hospital. Comments included: The access needs to be well designed to prevent competition with people using the supermarket and the hospital - as people will need to get to the hospital for specific appointment times. My reservations are the access to the site which will be shared with the Queens Hospital. It is a nightmare getting out of the hospital it can sometimes take up to forty minutes in the evening to get out. I am seriously concerned and fear that ambulances will be delayed as a result of the traffic load you are allowing on the roads mentioned.

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My main concern is that the entry road also serves the hospital. At peak times this already clogs up, causing delays to staff & customers to the hospital, and also to bus users that travel on those buses which are routed through the hospital grounds.

Parking Parking was an issue raised by nine respondents. Comments included: I also hope that the car park will relieve some of the pressure on the Queens Hospital car park. Whilst I support the scheme, I have concerns regarding parking in the area. The Queen Hospital staff use the surrounding roads all of the time, which some of my neighbours find very frustrating when they are unable to back out their own homes. The multi storey car park is almost at times back to the traffic lights, so I am asking you to consider this in your plans. [...] will there be adequate parking?

General comments on local infrastructure Seven respondents gave comments on local infrastructure, including general comments and comments on health and education provision in the area. Comments included: We hope provision will be made for schooling of children in new housing. Plus medical facilities. Havering is currently building for too many dwellings for the infrastructure to sustain. The medical facilities, schools and public services are under sustainable (sic) pressure. The Medical Centre proposed at Rom Corner has now been scrapped! More housing maybe but that also means more of a drain on healthcare, schools and other public and local services. There should be adequate parking, schools, doctors etc... In the plans for housing next to the proposed Morrisons site.

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Affordable housing Five respondents expressed views on affordable housing. Comments included: Will the housing be for private sale or social housing? [...] some provision should be made for "social housing" in the Morrisons proposals. The housing is a good thing - will it be affordable?

Closure of the ice rink and provision of temporary ice facilities Five respondents commented on the closure of the ice rink, including giving comments on the provision of a temporary ice rink. Comments included: Turning to the ice rink, surely it would be better to build the new ice rink first rather than leave the borough without ice skating facilities for a period of time. What we would object to however is the closure of the existing ice rink before a new one is built and up and running. The ice rink is a unique and long standing feature of Romford. It supports a number of ice based groups and teams and offers valuable healthy activities for both adults and children alike. Would there be the possibility of a temporary rink being erected on part of the existing site i.e. Next to the store? (during the build) Presumably either the store or the housing estate would be built first?

Design Three respondents reflected positively on the design of the new foodstore. Comments included: Design looks good. A good use of the site. Like the understorey parking to maximise space. Also like the architecture of the site.

Leisure centre Three respondents gave positive comments on Morrisons role in the delivery of a new leisure centre. Comments included: Looking at the plans it seems to be a well thought out well designed development bringing a much improved leisure centre/ice rink.

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Romford badly needs a sports hall and pool in the centre of town and this is a great way to get one.

Opening hours Two respondents commented that the foodstore should be open 24 hours. Comments included: It should be 24 hours because all supermarkets close at 10pm and other shops shut at 11pm [...] Id like to see a 24 hour shop [...]

Individual comments Individual positive comments were received on: The need for increased retail provision in Romford The regeneration benefits of the scheme The benefits of the scheme to hospital visitors The pedestrian access arrangements

Other individual respondents raised issues or queries over: Choice of sites (the housing should be at the Western Road site rather than at the Rom Valley Way site) The need for a youth development programme Importance of disabled access Environmental issues Noise during construction Distance from the town centre Impact on Romford market Query on design Site layout Problems for potential expansion of the hospital Helicopter access to the hospital Precautions in respect of methane gas arising from the landfill site

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7. Response to feedback

Morrisons has made a number of important changes to its proposals following public consultation and further work by the development team. Since the public exhibition Morrisons has: Introduced a new roundabout at the Rom Valley Way junction to the proposals Introduced a three-lane access to the site, improving vehicular access Completed its detailed assessment of current and projected future traffic flow, which shows that Morrisons highways improvements will increase capacity at the Rom Valley Way junction and reduce congestion, even accounting for additional foodstore traffic Proposed to provide improved pedestrian links to Romford town centre

The table below sets out Morrisons response to comments raised by feedback respondents. Morrisons response Morrisons is not currently represented in the area and the foodstore would offer greater choice for shoppers. In addition, the scheme will help fund and deliver the new leisure development in the town centre, which includes a new swimming pool for Romford. The foodstore will create over 300 much-needed permanent jobs (full and part time). The impacts of the foodstore are dealt with in the planning statement submitted with this planning application. Need for new housing There is an acute need for housing both in Havering and across London and this scheme provides an opportunity to deliver a range of new homes in a sustainable location. The specific mix of accommodation, which includes larger family homes, has been agreed based on feedback from officers and councillors at the London Borough of Havering.

Comments received Need for a new foodstore in Romford

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Traffic and congestion (including at the Rom Valley Way junction)

As part of this planning application, Morrisons has submitted a comprehensive Transport Assessment of the local highway network. This Assessment showed that the most effective highways solution at the Rom Valley Way junction was the introduction of a new roundabout. Morrisons now proposes to provide a new roundabout and a three-lane access road. Our assessments indicate that these highways improvements will increase capacity at the Rom Valley Way junction and reduce congestion, even accounting for additional foodstore traffic. In addition, Morrisons proposes to improve pedestrian links to Romford town centre. Use of public transport, bicycles and access to the store by foot will also be encouraged for staff and customers. More information can be found in the Transport Assessment.

New jobs

The Morrisons store will create approximately 300 new jobs, including training, in a mix of full and part-time roles. Nationwide, Morrisons has more people preparing food in store than any other retailer. Each store has fully trained fishmongers, butchers and bakers all with expert knowledge of their product areas. Typically, 75 per cent of Morrisons store colleagues come from within three miles of the store. Morrisons also typically works closely with the local Jobcentre Plus to maximise opportunities for the long-term unemployed in the local area and in 2011, over half of Morrisons hires for new stores were previously on the unemployment register. Morrisons is also committed to providing valuable training for its staff with a range of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications. Morrisons is the UKs largest provider of apprenticeships, with more than 37,000 people being trained in 2011.

Shared access with Queens Hospital

The new scheme will continue to use the same access point on Rom Valley Way that is currently used for Romford Ice Arena as well as Queens Hospital. Morrisons is working closely with the NHS Trust to ensure that the access junction continues to work in a satisfactory manner and, if possible, is improved in the future.

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Adequacy of parking provision

The shoppers car park will provide 400 spaces which meets the London Borough of Haverings car parking standards.

Capacity of local infrastructure

Morrisons will make contributions towards infrastructure as part of the planning application in accordance with infrastructure levies from the London Borough of Havering as well as the Greater London Authority.

Closure of the ice rink / timings for the Morrisons scheme compared to the leisure development

Morrisons and the London Borough of Havering are aware of the importance of the ice rink and leisure centre facility and the new scheme will ensure a 21 century facility is provided in the heart of the town centre, bringing extensive benefits for local residents and others over years to come. In conjunction with Morrisons application, the London Borough of Havering is bringing forward an application for a new leisure centre and ice rink at Western Road. Both the London Borough of Havering and Morrisons are working to ensure construction times are being kept to a minimum and the modern ice rink and leisure centre can open as planned in 2015.
st

Foodstore opening hours

Morrisons does not usually operate a 24-hour service but it is likely that the small shop in the petrol station would be open longer hours than the store.

8. Conclusion

Morrisons has undertaken extensive pre-application consultation to spread awareness of the proposals, explain the plans and consider feedback from a wide range of stakeholders and residents. The pre-application consultation process has been designed to follow guidelines set out in the NPPF and the London Borough of Haverings Statement of Community Involvement.

Morrisons sought to explain the plans and collect feedback from local residents and stakeholders through a variety of means including the public exhibition, feedback forms, a consultation and scheme website, a telephone line, email address and postal address and liaison with site neighbours via written correspondence. The three-day public exhibition was widely advertised and attended by 293 people. As a result, Morrisons received 83 written representations from stakeholders and residents including 61 feedback forms and 22 responses submitted online on the project website or via email.

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9. Appendices Appendices are attached as follows: Appendix A Exhibition invitation flyer Appendix B Newspaper advertisement Appendix C Joint exhibition panel Appendix D Morrisons scheme specific and generic exhibition panels Appendix E London Borough of Haverings exhibition panels Appendix F Morrisons feedback form Appendix G Screen shot of website

Prepared by Camargue on behalf of Optimisation Developments Ltd November 2012

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APPENDIX A EXHIBITION INVITATION FLYER

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INVITATION TO A PUBLIC EXHIBITION

Find out more and have your say about plans for a new leisure centre and new foodstore in Romford
Following the recently announced agreement between Havering Council and Morrisons, plans are being brought forward for a new multi-million pound leisure centre and ice rink on Western Road in the town centre. To help deliver the new, fully-funded leisure facilities and provide other benefits, a new state-of-the-art Morrisons, petrol station and housing development is being proposed on the site of the existing Romford Ice Arena on Rom Valley Way.
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PUBLIC EXHIBITION VENUE (ROMFORD CENTRAL LIBRARY)

A11 8

OA D

Have your say

When: Thursday 19 July (2pm 8pm) Friday 20 July (12pm 6pm) Saturday 21 July (10am 4pm) Where: Romford Central Library, St Edwards Way, RM1 3AR Please come along to find out more about the emerging plans for both sites and give us your views. All comments will be reviewed and considered before plans are finalised and planning applications for each site are submitted to Havering Council.

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ROM VALLEY WAY SITE (CURRENT ICE RINK)

You can contact Morrisons about its plans for Rom Valley Way on: 020 7323 3544 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm) info@morrisonsromford.co.uk Morrisons Romford, c/o 7 Bayley Street, London, WC1B 3HB www.morrisonsromford.co.uk You can contact Havering Council about its plans for the leisure centre on Western Road on: 01708 434343 rld@havering.gov.uk Romford Leisure Development, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BD www.havering.gov.uk

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APPENDIX B NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT

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ENQUIRER Thursday 12 July 2012

(E&L)

www.theenquirer.co.uk NEWS 13

Crews pull together for sick schoolboy Danny news

CANVEY fire crews are pulling together to raise money for an 11-year-old boy suffering from a brain tumour. Crews are raising money for Danny Green (pictured with some of the crew), who is suffering from a brain tumour and is currently undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Crews will pulling a fire engine the length of Canvey on Saturday, 14 July. The crews will be setting off from Northwick Garden Centre-Canvey at 10am, travelling along the Long Road. At approximately 11am the crews will be in the town centre collecting money. At 12pm the fire engine will leave town to go to the Leigh Beck School for 1pm, followed by a fun afternoon at the school - with bouncy castles and stalls etc. All monies raised will go to the Danny Green Fund to help with his after care when he comes out of hospital. To donate to the Danny Green Fund visit the website www.thedannygreenfund.or g.uk.

in brief
Playing cops and shoppers
POLICE officers and Tesco staff will be on the ball for a charity football match to be held next month. It will take place at Stambridge Uniteds Ground on Wednesday 1 August, 7.45pm kick-off. Members of Essex Police South will be taking on a team from Tesco in a match to support Cancer Research. Entry will be 4 for adults and 2 children.
LABOURS Treasury spokesperson will be speaking on the Impact of Coalitions Economic Policy at the next meeting of Havering Fabian Society on Tuesday, 17 July. Chris Leslie will speak at the meeting which starts at 7.30pm at St Josephs Social Hall, 117 St Marys Lane, Upminster. Admission is free.

Duo are honoured

TWO Essex teachers have received national recognition for their work. Debbie Kershaw and Sandra Adair Lilac were nominated by their colleagues at New Rickstones Academy, in Conrad Road,Witham, for the Sky Annual Education Awards. Mrs Kershaw was awarded the outstanding achievement award for relentlessness Her . colleagues said she has drive, focus and relentless attitude in wanting and aiming for the best in every student. Mrs Kershaw, PE teacher and Progress Leader, said:It is an absolute honour and privilege. It is always nice to know the dedication of staff at the academy does not go unnoticed and is recognised through me receiving this award on a national scale. Colleague Mrs Adair, inclusion manager, received the special recognition award for being thereafter being nominated for her incredible commitment to support each and every student . She said:I am lucky to enjoy my role and to have such strong support by a great team of professionals.

Ice block falls from above during service

A BLOCK of ice crashed through the ceiling of Brentwood Cathedral during a Sunday service. Father James MacKay was leading the Eucharist Prayer on Sunday, 1 July when the chunk of ice fell through the roof. Fr James Mackay said: I was in the middle of the Eucharistic Prayer when there was a massive crash like an explosion. It was unbelievably loud. He could see slates falling from the roof through the window but, somewhat shaken, he continued with the prayer and the Mass. Later an usher passed him a note to say that a block of ice had fallen onto the west side of the Cathedral, breaking through the slate roofing and a timber roof batten. Fr James added: Fortunately, no one was hurt. Parishioner Dr Graham Hillman realised immediately what had happened: There was a tremendous bang and through the principal west window I could see showers of what looked like ice falling. I recalled a lady in Doddinghurst whose outside loo had been completely demolished by an ice block and thought thank goodness no one was out there as they would have been killed. Although ice blocks have been known to form and fall spontaneously, the fact that the Cathedral is under a flight path makes it probable that the block fell from an aeroplane. Repairs have been undertaken through an insurance claim but bad weather meant that the roof leaked and the ceiling became stained. Chris James from the Diocesan Property Office estimates that the cost of repairs could be as much as 1,000. He said:The broken slates have already been replaced and waterproofed but we needed to hire a cherry picker to access that part of the roof and the internal redecoration of the ceiling has still to be done. The block hit a timber maintenance walkway in the roof. If it had struck a few feet to one side, it might well have brought the ceiling down. The building, near Brentwood High Street, is the newest cathedral in England and was built between 1989 and 1991.

Money talking

Story time
SOUTHEND library are holding Bookstart Storyrhyme sessions on Wednesday, 18 July from 9.30 to 10am and 10.30 to 11am. The sessions are free and for children under five.

Keep up to date: 24/7 news and sports coverage of Essex and East London

www.theenquirer.co.uk

INVITATION TO A PUBLIC EXHIBITION

Find out more and have your say about plans for a new leisure centre and new foodstore in Romford
Following the recently announced agreement between Havering Council and Morrisons, plans are being brought forward for a new multi-million pound leisure centre and ice rink on Western Road in the town centre. To help deliver the new, fully-funded leisure facilities and provide other benefits, a new state-of-the-art Morrisons, petrol station and housing development is being proposed on the site of the existing Romford Ice Arena on Rom Valley Way.
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Have your say

When: Thursday 19 July (2pm 8pm) Friday 20 July (12pm 6pm) Saturday 21 July (10am 4pm) Where: Romford Central Library, St Edwards Way, RM1 3AR
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Please come along to find out more about the emerging plans for both sites and give us your views. All comments will be reviewed and considered before plans are finalised and planning applications for each site are submitted to Havering Council.

You can contact Morrisons about its plans for Rom Valley Way on: 020 7323 3544 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm) info@morrisonsromford.co.uk Morrisons Romford, c/o 7 Bayley Street, London, WC1B 3HB www.morrisonsromford.co.uk You can contact Havering Council about its plans for the leisure centre on Western Road on: 01708 434343 rld@havering.gov.uk Romford Leisure Development, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3BD www.havering.gov.uk

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APPENDIX C JOINT EXHIBITION BOARD

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LB HAVERING / MORRISONS ROMFORD

Welcome
Welcome to Havering Councils and Morrisons public exhibition on our proposals in Romford. We would like to explain more about our draft plans and get your feedback on plans to date.

The Proposal
Following a legal agreement between Havering Council and Morrisons, plans are being brought forward that will deliver a new leisure centre and ice rink on Western Road in the town centre. To help deliver the new, fully-funded leisure facilities in the town centre and provide other benets, a new state-of-the-art Morrisons, petrol station and housing development is being proposed on the site of existing Romford Ice Arena on Rom Valley Way. Together the proposals will: create hundreds of new jobs for local people, with training and apprenticeship opportunities deliver long-awaited new ice rink and swimming pool in the heart of Romford improve food shopping choice in Romford by introducing the rst Morrisons to the Borough with its affordable fresh food offer regenerate both the Western Road and Rom Valley Way sites and provide a catalyst for further regeneration in Romford provide much-needed new housing in Romford boost trade and footfall in the town centre. Two distinct planning applications are being prepared for the two sites one by Morrisons for Rom Valley Way; the other by the Havering Council for Western Road. Both planning applications will need approval before construction on either site can begin. This will be through the statutory planning process.

Have Your Say

Please take a look through the exhibition displays and let us know what you think about the draft plans for both sites. Members of the development teams are also on hand to answer any queries you may have. We have provided feedback forms for you to complete or you can send us your comments by email or by post.
For queries about the Havering Councils plans for the new leisure centre on Western Road, please contact: London Borough of Havering rld@havering.gov.uk Romford Leisure Development, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford RM1 3DB 01708 434343 www.havering.gov.uk For queries about Morrisons plans for Rom Valley Way, please contact: Morrisons Romford info@morrisonsromford.co.uk c/o 7 Bayley Street London WC1B 3HB 020 7323 3544 www.morrisonsromford.co.uk

Thank you for visiting our public exhibition and for your feedback. All comments will be reviewed and considered before a planning application for each site is submitted to the Havering Council. If planning consent is granted for both the leisure centre and the Morrisons development, we expect to open both the new Morrisons and the leisure centre in 2015.

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APPENDIX D MORRISONS SCHEME SPECIFIC AND GENERIC EXHIBITION PANELS

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Rom Valley Way: The vision

Morrisons is bringing forward plans for redeveloping the current ice rink site off Rom Valley Way into a new Morrisons foodstore with new homes and a petrol station.

Rom Valley Way Site

Indicative draft design

Morrisons Fresh Format a new type of foodstore Morrisons is known for fresh food, good value and choice. We are one of the UKs top five food producers and focus on providing our customers with quality products at a great price. Every day Morrisons makes and sells more fresh food in store than any other supermarket.
Site boundary
Land owned by London Borough of Havering

>> We own and manage our own distribution network

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The draft plans will deliver:

>> A major new modern and bespoke Morrisons foodstore (81,500 sq ft gross) with Customer Caf, pharmacy, dry cleaners and customer toilets / baby change >> Approximately 300 new jobs with training >> A new petrol station and car wash >> New homes current plans are for 65 flats and houses, including a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed properties >> Approximately 500 car parking spaces across the site >> Financial investment to enable the Council to build the new ice rink, swimming pool and leisure centre on the Mercury Gardens site in Romford town centre Together, the Rom Valley Way and Western Road projects will provide major new investment in Romford town centre. The projects will deliver the long-awaited, new leisure centre in Romford, create hundreds of new jobs and increase footfall, trade and business in Romford.

>> Morrisons has more people preparing food in store than any other retailer >> We have 477 stores across the UK we understand how to work with communities to bring new stores to new locations in ways that support the community >> We are the UKs biggest provider of apprenticeships in 2011, Morrisons provided approximately 37,000 apprenticeship places for 16-24 year olds. Unlike other foodstores, Morrisons stores sell mostly food items, focusing on offering the weekly food shop rather than selling non-food items like clothes or electronics. Morrisons Fresh Format model means state-of-the-art store design and extra lines of fresh produce, such as exotic fruits and vegetables, and premium seasonal vegetables. Ice beds and misting technology can be installed to help optimise the freshness of vegetables.

Rom Valley Way: The scheme

Artists impression of the draft plan

Draft masterplan

The new Morrisons foodstore The foodstore will be constructed across two storeys, comprising the foodstore on the first floor with a travelator providing access to and from an undercroft car park. There is also the potential for a mezzanine level. Morrisons would create around 300 new full and part-time jobs and bring its fresh food offer to Romford for the first time, increasing food shopping choice in the area. The new jobs within the foodstore will provide a mix of full and parttime opportunities for local people. Potential roles include butchers, bakers and fishmongers, as well as positions in customer service, in the caf and on the shop floor.

New homes The plans for the new homes will be finalised before the planning application is submitted. The current plans are for approximately 65 new homes (mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom flats and houses) with dedicated car parking spaces. The residential element of the scheme will feature a play area and trees and planting throughout the site, while ground floor properties will also benefit from gardens.

Rom Valley Way: Transport and access

Plan showing proposed car park layout and access

Highways improvements As part of the plans, Morrisons is proposing a number of highways improvements, including: >> A revised layout of the signalised Rom Valley Way junction to improve access into the site >> A new link to improve pedestrian access between the hospital bus stop and the new Morrisons foodstore Site accessibility The site is highly sustainable, adjacent to Rom Valley Way, Rom Valley Way Retail Park and Queens Hospital. Bus stops are adjacent to the site at Queens Hospital and there are eight additional bus stops in the local area located within walking distance. Romford railway station is located approximately 750m north of the site and there are good pedestrian links to to the town centre. Highways The new foodstore will mean shorter trips for food shopping for many people and the location could minimise journey lengths and encourage local residents to shop without using their cars, thereby helping to reduce carbon emissions. A comprehensive transport assessment will be produced and submitted with the forthcoming planning application. Traffic surveys and assessments of key local junctions will form part of this document and the impact of the proposals on the towns road system is also being tested under Havering Councils Town Centre Traffic Model.

Deliveries The service yard for the Morrisons foodstore will be on the first floor, adjacent to the store. Delivery vehicles will have their own dedicated access off Rom Valley Way and will use a ramp to reach the first-floor service yard. It is estimated that up to seven deliveries would be required each day, of which only two would be large HGVs. Car parking and vehicle access Approximately 450 new car parking spaces, including disabled and family spaces, will be provided for the foodstore in an undercroft car park below the store. A travelator will connect the car park to the store. Customer vehicle access to the petrol station and Morrisons foodstore will be provided from Rom Valley Way. Customers will be able to exit the store via this exit on to Rom Valley Way and also by using additional left-out-only exits on to Rom Valley Way. A dedicated access to the residential element will be provided from Oldchurch Rise, off Oldchurch Road.

Have your say

As part of the consultation on these plans, Morrisons is liasing with key stakeholders and site neighbours such as Queens Hospital. Morrisons would like to hear you comments on the draft plans. Please fill in a feedback form or give us your feedback online at www.morrisonsromford.co.uk

Morrisons in the community

Local heritage
We recognise local heritage in our stores through various artistic initiatives including stained glass panels, murals and photography. We are also well known for commissioning critically acclaimed public artworks, which are typically relevant to their locations.

Charity of the Year

In 2011 Save the Children was chosen as Morrisons Raise a Smile charity partner. We are aiming to raise 4 million to support Save the Childrens Families and Schools Together (FAST) programme. The FAST programme gives children in communities across the UK a better chance in life by supporting their early learning, both at home and at school. FAST gives the most disadvantaged children in the UK a better chance in life by supporting parents to improve their

childrens learning and development at home, so they can reach their full potential at school. The programme forges links throughout the community so parents can work with their schools, and each other, to give their children a brighter future. Morrisons are proud to support Save the Children and help to give UK children a better chance in life.

Since the launch of Lets Grow in 2008, over 5 million school children across the UK have been given access to gardening equipment and seeds. This has allowed them to experience the food story firsthand, helping them to lead a healthier lifestyle through the experiences of growing fruit and vegetables within the school grounds. The programme ties into the national curriculum and supports the governments Growing Schools initiative.

So far the project has funded over 12 million worth of equipment and seeds including: >> 255,000 garden tools >> 485,000 packets of seeds >> 136,000 pieces of cooking equipment >> Over 27,000 live plants and trees.

We aim to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve.

Working for Morrisons

A typical Morrisons store provides up to 300 full- and part-time jobs in a variety of different roles
Morrisons is one of the countrys leading providers of apprenticeships employing approximately 37,000 apprentices in its stores across the country in 2011. These apprentices learn their trade including preparing and presenting fresh food from professionals such as trained butchers, bakers, and fishmongers. This scheme gives apprentices the opportunity to learn valuable skills in a specific trade from the best people in the field.

Morrisons is planning to open a further 25 stores around the UK in 2012, which will provide jobs for more than 7,000 people. The majority of these will be full- and part-time opportunities in the stores themselves. Half of the jobs at Morrisons new stores are set to go to unemployed people with threequarters living in the local area within which the store is located.

In 2012, Morrisons signed up to the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Cleggs Social Mobility Business Compact scheme, designed to ensure equality in the jobs market. As part of the scheme, Morrisons has made a commitment to fair entry into its employment structure. Morrisons supports the Governments Youth Contract designed to find career pathways for more 1824 year olds.

In-store Innovation
Welcome to Morrisons new model for selling fresh food!
Value, affordability and freshness remain Morrisons key differentiators coupled with a range of high quality culinary produce. Innovative new approaches including ice beds and misting technology helps to keep our fresh produce as crisp as possible. Morrisons has its own farm and buys directly from farmers, meaning it cuts out the middleman to give customers the freshest, best quality food at great prices.

A new type of supermarket Of all the major foodstore operators, Morrisons is the only one that focuses primarily on food. Most other supermarkets sell more non-food products than Morrisons, meaning town centre shops and independent retailers face greater competition. The majority of space in a Morrisons foodstore is dedicated to food.