Key Points
- Havering Council has designated ten village greens since 2024, including recent dedications at Platford Green and Tees Drive, to preserve community green spaces.
- Environmental groups, including CPRE London and Havering Friends of the Earth, have voiced strong opposition to proposed developments on Green Belt land, particularly the £5.3 billion East Havering data centre project.
- The Council defends the data centre as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure investment, citing national housing and development targets.
- A High Court ruling in June 2025 found Havering Council “very confused” about its legal duties, ordering a reconsideration of whether an illegal landfill site constitutes contaminated land.
- The Romford Masterplan, approved in September 2024, aims to regenerate the town centre while balancing development with heritage and environmental protection.
- Residents and wildlife groups, such as Harold Hill Deer Aid, have formally objected to a proposed M25 service station, citing environmental damage, traffic, and noise pollution.
- The Council claims a commitment to sustainability, including a Climate Action Plan targeting carbon neutrality by 2040 and the creation of ‘Go Green’ information hubs in libraries.
What is the current state of Havering’s green spaces?
As reported by The Havering Daily in October 2024, a proposed M25 service station between junctions 27 and 28 has sparked significant concern, with Harold Hill Deer Aid warning it could lead to
“significant harm to the local environment, including loss of green spaces, habitats for wildlife, and increased pollution”.
This development is emblematic of a broader tension in the borough. While Havering is celebrated for its extensive green areas, including the Metropolitan Green Belt, these spaces are increasingly under threat from large-scale construction projects. The conflict is not simply between concrete and grass, but between competing visions for the borough’s future: one prioritising economic growth and housing delivery, and another advocating for environmental preservation and community well-being. The designation of five new village greens in 2024, followed by plans for five more in 2025, demonstrates a clear effort by the Council to protect some green spaces. However, these actions are juxtaposed against proposals that could permanently alter the character of the borough, raising the question of whether these protections are sufficient or merely symbolic.
Why are environmental groups so opposed to the East Havering data centre?
The proposed £5.3 billion data centre development on Green Belt land in North Ockendon has become a flashpoint for environmental opposition. As reported by The Havering Daily in May 2024, Havering Friends of the Earth raised multiple concerns, including the project’s use of Green Belt land, its massive energy consumption of up to 600 MW, and its reliance on fossil fuels and diesel back-up generators. They argued that the promise of long-term jobs is misleading, as most employment would be temporary during construction, and the operational phase would require only a small number of highly specialised workers. The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) London echoed these sentiments, stating in a public statement that it was “appalled” by the Council’s support for the scheme, calling it “inappropriate development” that runs counter to national and local planning policies. CPRE stressed that the Green Belt exists to prevent urban sprawl and that the development would cause “massive environmental damage.” The group further warned that approving the project would set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to the gradual erosion of Green Belt protections across the borough. The visual impact of fifteen warehouse-sized buildings, up to 21 metres tall and surrounded by 6-metre security fences, was also cited as a major concern, with critics arguing it would be “unsightly” and detrimental to the area’s character.
How is Havering Council justifying these controversial developments?
In response to criticism, Havering Council has articulated a vision for the borough centred on economic regeneration and sustainable growth. As stated by Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, in a May 2025 response to The Havering Daily, the data centre represents a “major investment opportunity” that will “spark further investment, business growth, employment and skills”. The Council argues that the project aligns with national priorities, particularly the government’s strategic goal of “growth” and its target of delivering 1.5 million new homes within five years. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, acknowledged the “horrendous challenges” facing the Green Belt but maintained that development must be approached with care, favouring the use of “Grey Belt” land where possible. The Council also points to its own environmental initiatives as evidence of its commitment to sustainability. These include the adoption of a Climate Change Action Plan with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, the creation of ‘Go Green’ information hubs in libraries, and the designation of village greens. The Council’s position is that it is possible to balance development with environmental protection, and that projects like the data centre can be part of a sustainable future if managed correctly. The approval of the Romford Masterplan, which aims to revitalise the town centre while preserving its heritage, is presented as a key example of this balanced approach.
What are the legal and planning challenges facing the borough?
The debate over Havering’s future is not only environmental and economic but also deeply legal and procedural. In June 2025, the High Court delivered a significant rebuke to the Council, finding that it had been “very confused about the correct legal approach” to an illegal landfill site near residential buildings. Mrs Justice Lieven ordered the Council to reconsider its decision not to classify the site as “contaminated land,” citing concerns over public health and environmental safety. This ruling has raised questions about the Council’s competence in handling complex environmental regulations. Furthermore, the planning process for major developments has been contentious. Havering Friends of the Earth has criticised the Council for attempting to fast-track the data centre through a Local Development Order (LDO) rather than a full planning application, arguing that this bypasses proper public scrutiny. The sheer volume of development pressure is also a challenge; the Council received an unprecedented 78 “Call for Sites” submissions from developers in early 2025, many of which targeted Green Belt land, reflecting the intense national push for housing delivery. This legal and procedural complexity underscores the difficulty of making decisions that are both lawful and in the long-term interest of the community.
What might the future hold for Havering’s landscape?
The future of Havering hangs in the balance between preservation and progress. On one hand, the Council’s actions to designate village greens and adopt a Climate Action Plan show a genuine effort to protect the borough’s environmental assets. On the other hand, the pursuit of large-scale, high-impact developments like the data centre and the M25 service station threatens to transform the borough’s green and pleasant character into one of concrete and commerce. The outcome will depend on the Council’s ability to navigate legal challenges, respond to community and environmental group concerns, and make decisions that are not only economically sound but also environmentally responsible and legally robust. As the debate continues, with residents, wildlife groups, and national organisations all weighing in, the question remains: can Havering achieve sustainable growth without sacrificing its soul
