GRID Architects secures planning approval for a new phase of 651 homes at Barking Riverside, featuring a majority of family-friendly and affordable units. Backed by the Mayor of London and L&Q, the scheme continues to transform East London’s largest brownfield site into a thriving, sustainable community with extensive infrastructure upgrades.
GRID Architects has secured planning approval for a new phase of housing at Barking Riverside, delivering 651 homes as part of one of the largest regeneration projects in east London. The Barking and Dagenham Council unanimously backed the scheme, which includes 355 affordable homes, with a significant emphasis on family housing—70% of the units are designed specifically for families. The affordable homes are evenly split between Affordable Rent and London Living Rent tenures.
This latest phase builds on the progress already made at Barking Riverside, where around 2,400 homes have been completed and are occupied. The scheme is part of a masterplan created by GRID Architects with buildings ranging from six to 15 storeys, incorporating over 2,000 square metres of communal space. Parking is strategically located along a central spine road and within small courts to maintain accessibility while preserving the residential environment. Colin Veitch, director at GRID Architects, expressed pride in the project’s role in transforming East London and providing much-needed affordable housing within a sustainable, landscaped neighbourhood.
The development is the product of a collaboration including the housing association L&Q and the Mayor of London. Jacqueline Esimaje-Heath, director for growth and sales at L&Q, highlighted the association’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis by delivering genuinely affordable homes that offer people the opportunity to improve their lives. L&Q’s involvement continues to strengthen their position as a major provider of affordable housing in the borough, particularly following its recent acquisition of 167 affordable homes previously developed by Southern Housing.
Barking Riverside itself is a massive 243-acre brownfield site on the northern bank of the Thames, with plans to deliver up to 20,000 homes over the coming decades, supporting a projected community of up to 50,000 people. The Mayor of London has played a key role in facilitating this ambitious regeneration, approving masterplans and funding infrastructure improvements. In recent years, this has included a £124 million investment to prepare land and deliver flood defences, parks, and an energy centre, alongside a £500 million investment to enhance transport links and community facilities. Central to the plans is a new TfL Overground station, which will provide swift connections to central London in around 22 minutes, as well as new schools, a district centre, and health and leisure facilities.
The masterplan aims for 50% affordable housing, aligning with the latest phase’s delivery of over half the homes as affordable units. The project is designed to create not just homes but a thriving and sustainable community, with high standards of residential accommodation set out by the developers and council planners. With twelve blocks planned in River Road as part of the newest phase, the focus remains on quality and family-friendly environments.
As Barking Riverside continues to evolve, the combined efforts of GRID Architects, L&Q, the Mayor of London, and various specialist consultants—including landscape architects and engineers—are setting a new standard for large-scale urban regeneration in the capital, promising to deliver a landmark community that addresses both housing demand and quality of life in East London.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 25 September 2025. No earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content is original and not recycled from other sources. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies or outdated material were identified.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes from Colin Veitch and Jacqueline Esimaje-Heath are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating original content.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Building Design, a reputable UK-based publication focusing on architecture and construction. This adds credibility to the report. However, the publication is trade-specific and may not be widely known outside the industry.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the Barking Riverside development align with known facts. The development is a significant regeneration project in East London, with previous reports indicating plans for up to 20,000 homes. The involvement of GRID Architects and L&Q is consistent with their roles in the project. The tone and language are appropriate for the subject matter, and the report includes specific details such as the number of affordable homes and the design of the development, which are verifiable.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and based on a reputable source. The claims are plausible and supported by verifiable details. No significant credibility risks were identified.
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