Dagenham’s Crowlands Heath Golf Course may be redeveloped into 1,300 homes and community facilities after the council agreed to sell the land
H4Life Ltd Plans to Purchase Crowlands Heath Golf Course
The proposals first came to light on October 8, 2024, when a letter addressed to “residents local to Crowlands Heath Golf Course” detailed that H4Life Ltd had agreed to purchase the golf course.
The letter, signed by H4Life Ltd director Marc Pennick, claimed the club had “struggled financially” over the years. The development company plans to bring “much needed” homes, infrastructure, and sports facilities to the land.
Crowlands Heath Golf Course in Wood Lane is a nine-hole, semi-private course with a driving range. According to the letter, it only averages 16 rounds per day during the week and 23 rounds per day on the weekend.
Mr. Pennick claimed that these numbers were “not sustainable.”
Around three quarters of the course is in Havering, but it is entirely owned by Barking and Dagenham Council, which leases the land to Crowlands Heath Golf Club.
On October 14, it was confirmed that Barking and Dagenham Council agreed to sell the land.
Leader of the council Dominic Twomey said the sale could “benefit thousands of people” with new affordable housing. However, he added he knew “a few residents” who use the golf course and had objected to the sale.
In November, a 152-page environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping opinion request was submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council on behalf of H4Life Ltd.
This confirmed that the company intends to submit a “detailed planning application” to both Havering Council and Barking and Dagenham Council for the proposed development.
If all plans are approved, construction could start late this year (2026) and the works could be completed by 2032.
A spokesperson for H4Life revealed there are currently 10 people employed at the golf course. The plans for redevelopment would generate around 25 new job opportunities.
They said: “The new development will provide new jobs through the proposed retail unit and across the community centre and café. The number of jobs will outstrip the current number of jobs on site.”
The proposed homes will include a range of two, three, and four bedrooms, with 60 percent social housing and 40 percent key worker housing.
Multiple play areas, football pitches, an indoor sports facility, a café/bar community centre, a retail convenience store, and new bus routes and services have also been proposed.
Four nearby schools and the West Ham United training ground are listed as places that could be impacted by the development.
An official planning application is yet to be submitted.
Summary of Key Facts
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2024 | Proposal to purchase Crowlands Heath Golf Course announced |
| October 14, 2024 | Barking and Dagenham Council agreed to sell the land |
| November 2024 | EIA scoping opinion request submitted |
| 2026 | Construction could start if plans are approved |
| 2032 | Projected completion of works |
