Havering Councillor Williamson Defends Data Centre on Greenbelt, Havering 2026

Key Points

• Councillor Graham Williamson, Lead Member for Development and Regeneration, insists the proposed East Havering Data Centre on Greenbelt land in North Ockendon is in the right place, responding to a Havering Daily article.​
• The data centre project, developed with Digital Reef, promises hundreds of high-value jobs, economic benefits, and enhanced biodiversity on currently private Greenbelt land.
• Consultation on the draft Local Development Order (LDO) runs from 6 March to 7 April 2026, allowing residents to review plans despite criticisms of its 28-day length as insufficient.
• Havering Council snubbed MP Julia Lopez’s request for a longer consultation period, ignoring pleas from North Ockendon residents after her meetings and site visits.​
• The project includes multiple data centre buildings, indoor horticultural facility, district heating network, Ecology Park, and visitors centre, aiming to position Havering as a green technology hub.
• Opposition from residents, CPRE, Havering Friends of the Earth, and Conservatives highlights environmental damage, loss of farmland, and precedent for Greenbelt erosion.
• Economic projections include £12-13.5 million in annual business rates, 9,000 jobs, and high-tech industry growth, though permanent jobs estimated at 1,240.
• The site spans 499 acres straddling Havering and Thurrock boundaries, with 40 hectares for data centres and 113 hectares for public-accessible ecology park.
• Council Leader and Conservatives like Damian White acknowledge opportunities but call for public inquiry due to Greenbelt concerns.​
• Initial cabinet approval dates back to 2022, with ongoing controversy into 2026.​

Havering (East London Times) March 11, 2026 – Councillor Graham Williamson has staunchly defended the location of the proposed East Havering Data Centre on Greenbelt land in North Ockendon, dismissing criticisms in the wake of mounting local opposition.​

The councillor, responding directly to yesterday’s article in The Havering Daily, emphasised that the site represents a strategic opportunity for economic regeneration and skills development in the borough. As Lead Member for Development and Regeneration, Williamson argued the project would deliver data centre space and create hundreds of high-value jobs, directly benefiting young people across Havering.

Why Does Councillor Williamson Believe the Data Centre Site is Ideal?

Councillor Graham Williamson stated that the development utilises only a small portion of Greenbelt land while unlocking substantial economic and skills opportunities. In comments reported by TWinFM in 2022, he described it as

“a nationally significant project that will help to drive data security, energy and food security for the UK for decades to come.”

Williamson highlighted that the currently inaccessible private land would gain enhanced biodiversity and public access through an ecology park and community forest.

As reported by Josh Mellor of the Local Democracy Reporting Service in Data Center Dynamics, Williamson noted the centre would “attract high-tech jobs and businesses” and “transform” the council’s income, projecting about £12 million in business rates. The Havering Council spokesperson echoed this, expressing confidence that approval would catalyse new high-tech industries, providing further job opportunities for young people.

What Are the Key Features of the Proposed East Havering Data Centre?

The draft Local Development Order outlines a comprehensive campus including multiple data centre buildings, an indoor horticultural facility, district heating network, Ecology Park, and visitors centre. Developers Digital Reef propose 40 hectares of data centre space on a 499-acre site straddling Havering and Thurrock, alongside a 113-hectare ecology park roughly the size of 174 football pitches, open to the public.

Havering Council’s official announcement on 23 February 2026 detailed that the LDO grants upfront planning permission but maintains rigorous assessment equivalent to major applications. The 5 March 2026 update confirmed the month-long consultation from 6 March to 7 April, enabling review of all planning, environmental, and technical documents.

When Is the Consultation Happening and Is It Long Enough?

The Strategic Planning Committee meeting on 3 March 2026 sought approval for the consultation, as reported by The Havering Daily on 26 February. Helen Oakerbee, Havering Director of Planning and Public Protection, described it as “an important opportunity for residents to explore the plans in detail and share their views,” with feedback shaping future stages.

However, residents warned the 28-day period is “nowhere near enough” for such a huge project, according to The Havering Daily. On 10 March 2026, The Havering Daily covered how the council snubbed Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez’s request for extension, despite her advocacy following public meetings and site visits.

Who Opposes the Data Centre and Why?

Local residents in North Ockendon have voiced strong concerns over the scale and environmental impact, with opposition growing since initial 2022 proposals. The CPRE countryside charity told The Telegraph they were “appalled” and would fight the plans, citing “massive environmental damage.”​

Ian Pirie of Havering Friends of the Earth told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they felt “ignored” by the council regarding concerns. BBC News reported on 11 August 2024 the controversy over building on Greenbelt in north-east London for extensive server networks. A spokesperson for opponents warned of warehouse-sized buildings replacing farmland, setting a precedent for Greenbelt loss and harming “the lungs of our city.”

Councillor Damian White, Conservative group leader, acknowledged the “significant opportunity” but called for a public inquiry, questioning benefits to all Havering residents from losing hundreds of acres. Local Reform party representatives and residents resisted in 2025, per LocalGov.

What Economic Benefits Does the Council Promise?

Proponents forecast 9,000 jobs and £13.5 million annually for the borough, as argued by Havering Council against resistance. Digital Reef expects 1,240 permanent jobs, boosting employment and funding vital services.

The Evening Standard noted in June 2024 the council’s view that data centre demand from consumers justifies the project, positioning Havering as a world-leading green technology centre. Williamson reiterated in The Havering Daily on 11 March 2026 that opportunities would benefit young people directly.

How Has the Project Evolved Over Time?

Plans originated in November 2022 when Havering Cabinet agreed to advance with Digital Reef post a Town Hall meeting. By 2024, BBC and Evening Standard covered ongoing debates.

In February 2026, reports ahead of the 3 March committee meeting deepened the row, per The Havering Daily. The LPA launched consultation on 5 March, maintaining the process’s independence.

What Happens Next in the Data Centre Approval Process?

Feedback from the 6 March to 7 April consultation will inform the Strategic Planning Committee’s final decision on adopting the LDO. Residents can access reports on the council’s website.

MP Julia Lopez continues as a “vital conduit” for resident voices, having presented extension requests to the Council Leader, Chief Executive, and committee chair, though ignored on 3 March. The council-led process by the LPA ensures scrutiny, but the LDO limits usual councillor support for opposition.​

This saga underscores tensions between economic ambitions and Greenbelt preservation in Havering, with all eyes on resident input and the committee’s verdict. The project, valued at £5.3 billion initially, could redefine the borough’s landscape if approved.