Key Points
- Perfect Pitch Planning Ltd, acting on behalf of Mr P. Doran, has filed a retrospective planning application for traveller occupation on land north east of Church Road, Noak Hill.
- The proposed site includes six static homes, six touring caravans, and six day rooms (amenity buildings) arranged in two rows.
- The application also proposes 12 parking spaces and both hard and soft landscaping.
- Planning documents confirm the work began on 28 November 2025, though they do not specify how much has been completed.
- Havering Council’s planning enforcement team investigated the site, leading to a stop notice and two enforcement notices.
- Notices allege unauthorised development on protected green belt land, said to have “devastated” the character of the area.
- Recipients of the notices have until 16 January 2026 to appeal or must clear the site by 16 March 2026.
- Council Leader Cllr Ray Morgon said he was “disappointed and shocked” at the unlawful work and confirmed that swift enforcement action had been taken.
Plans for a traveller site in Noak Hill have triggered a new wave of scrutiny after Havering Council confirmed it is investigating alleged unauthorised development on protected green belt land. The application, submitted by Perfect Pitch Planning Ltd on behalf of landowner Mr P. Doran, seeks retrospective approval for a change of land use to “traveller occupation” at a site north east of Church Road.
What does the planning application propose?
According to planning documents submitted to Havering Council, the proposal covers a total of six static mobile homes, six touring caravans, and six day rooms or amenity buildings, set out in two organised rows. The plans include 12 parking bays, upgraded hardstanding and landscaping aimed at improving access and blend with the surrounding area.
While the application is described as part retrospective, the paperwork does not clarify how many caravans or structures have already been established. However, documents indicate that construction and placement of caravans began on 28 November 2025 before formal consent was granted.
How did Havering Council respond?
As reported by Adam Prudden of the Romford Recorder, the Council’s planning enforcement team carried out a prompt site inspection following local reports of works taking place a few days after the activity began. Their investigation concluded with the issuance of a stop notice and two enforcement notices, which alleged that mobile homes and related development had been stationed on green belt land “without planning permission.”
The Romford Recorder further reported that the notices claim the works have “devastated the character” of the rural area around Noak Hill—an assessment that reflects the Council’s legal obligation to protect the green belt from unauthorised development that could undermine its openness and character.
What are the terms of the enforcement notice?
According to the same Romford Recorder report, the recipients have until 16 January 2026 to formally lodge an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate. If they do not, they must comply by 16 March 2026, which includes removing all caravans, structures, fencing, and building materials from the land and restoring the site to its previous condition.
How has the Council leadership addressed the situation?
In a statement reported by Adam Prudden for the Romford Recorder, Havering Council Leader Cllr Ray Morgon said:
“Thanks to the swift actions of our teams, I am pleased to confirm that planning enforcement and stop notices were served at the site on Thursday afternoon (December 4). The notices require the travellers to stop all work on the land, remove everything that was brought onto it and restore it to its former condition.”
Cllr Morgon added that the Cabinet was “disappointed and shocked” to learn that works had begun without official consent, particularly given the green belt designation of the land.
The Council has reiterated its commitment to “robustly defend” the integrity of Havering’s countryside and rural environment, which has been subject to increasing development pressure over recent years.
What are local planning rules regarding green belt land?
Under Havering Council’s Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), construction or change of land use in designated green belt areas is strictly controlled. Such developments are normally considered “inappropriate” unless they meet specific exceptions—for example, agricultural use, limited infill in villages, or essential facilities for outdoor recreation.
Traveller accommodation may sometimes be permitted through formal planning consent under the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS), but each case is judged on individual merit and must demonstrate “very special circumstances.”
The Council’s enforcement notices appear to argue that these criteria are not met in this case.
Who is behind the planning application?
The retrospective application was submitted by Perfect Pitch Planning Ltd, a company specialising in traveller site planning and development management. The applicant, Mr P. Doran, is listed as the site owner in the Council’s documents.
Perfect Pitch Planning Ltd has handled similar applications elsewhere in England, often representing clients seeking retrospective permission for existing traveller sites that began occupation before obtaining full approval.
How common are retrospective applications?
As explained by Planning Resource magazine, retrospective planning applications are legal under UK planning law, allowing landowners to seek approval after development has taken place. However, submitting such an application does not protect applicants from enforcement actions if councils conclude that the works are inappropriate or harmful.
If Havering Council refuses permission, the applicant can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, potentially triggering a months-long process before a final ruling.
How have local residents reacted?
Though Havering Council has not released public consultation responses yet, concern among nearby residents has been mounting on local community forums and in social media groups, many expressing worry that the development could set a precedent for new green belt incursions.
Some commenters on local Facebook groups for Noak Hill and Harold Hill have said they feel “let down” by what they describe as a lack of proactive enforcement before the works began. Others, however, have stressed the need for fair accommodation for traveller families and urged the community “not to stigmatise” lawful planning processes.
What are the next steps in the planning process?
The retrospective application will be reviewed by Havering Council’s Planning Committee, which will evaluate:
- Whether the development conflicts with the green belt policy.
- The impact on local amenity and environment.
- The need for traveller accommodation in the borough.
- The applicant’s compliance with previous enforcement actions.
Once officers prepare their recommendation, councillors will vote to either approve or refuse the application. If refused, the site owner may appeal to the Planning Inspectorate under Section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990).
What happens if the enforcement deadlines are missed?
If the site is not cleared by 16 March 2026 and no appeal has been filed or upheld, the Council may pursue direct action—meaning it could enter the land, remove the unauthorised structures, and recover costs from the landowner.
Past cases in Essex, including nearby Brentwood and Thurrock, have involved similar enforcement measures resulting in court proceedings when owners failed to comply.
