Havering Residents Urge Say on Huge Green Belt Data Centre 2026

Key Points

• Havering’s Local Planning Authority (LPA) has launched a public consultation on proposals for the East Havering Data Centre Campus on Green Belt land in North Ockendon, running from 6 March to 7 April 2026.​
• The consultation allows residents and stakeholders to review planning, environmental, and technical documents before any final decision by the Strategic Planning Committee.
• The proposal uses a draft Local Development Order (LDO), granting planning permission in principle for developments including multiple data centre buildings, indoor horticultural facility, district heating network, Ecology Park, and visitors centre.
• Local debate centres on protecting Green Belt land, with concerns over loss of countryside, wildlife habitats, traffic, energy demand, and building scale.
• Public engagement events scheduled for 12 March at St Mary Magdalene Church, North Ockendon, and 25 March at Havering Town Hall, Romford.​
• Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, stated the consultation is an important opportunity for the public to share views.
• Campaigners like Emma Edmonds criticise lack of prior engagement, calling the development devastating for the environment and rare Fenns.​
• Proponents highlight 1,240 jobs, high-tech industry catalyst, 113-hectare ecology park, and contributions to grid via battery storage and renewables.
• The site spans areas like 99 acres near Essex border, with 330,000 sqm data centre floorspace, Europe’s largest single campus.
• Havering Friends of the Earth questions LDO process over full planning application and green credentials.​
• Consultation documents available on Havering Council’s website; responses reviewed post-7 April, potentially leading to amendments.​

Havering (East London Times) March 9, 2026 – Residents in Havering are being urged to participate in a public consultation on controversial plans for a massive East Havering Data Centre Campus on protected Green Belt land in North Ockendon. Havering’s Local Planning Authority has initiated the 28-day consultation from 6 March to 7 April 2026, enabling locals to scrutinise detailed planning, environmental, and technical documents before the Strategic Planning Committee decides on a draft Local Development Order. The scheme, proposed by Digital Reef, promises economic benefits but faces fierce opposition over environmental impacts.

What Is the East Havering Data Centre Proposal?

The draft Local Development Order outlines a comprehensive campus featuring multiple data centre buildings totalling 330,000 square metres of floorspace, classified as Class B8 storage and distribution for cloud computing and data storage.

As detailed in reports ahead of the 3 March 2026 Strategic Planning Committee meeting, it includes an indoor horticultural facility, district heating network powered by repurposed data centre heat, a 113-hectare (280 acres) Ecology Park accessible to the public, a visitors centre, 50,000 sqm of green energy power generation technology, and 50,000 sqm battery storage to support the UK grid.

Proponents describe it as Europe’s largest single data centre campus, boosting London’s capacity by over 50% and ensuring UK competitiveness, with buildings designed sensitively into the landscape alongside biodiversity enhancements.

Havering Council views it as a catalyst for high-tech industries, creating 1,240 jobs, particularly for young people, and generating funds for vital services. A council spokesperson told Nub News:

“The council is confident that if the data centre is approved, it will be a catalyst for new high tech industries locating in the borough providing further job opportunities, particularly for our young people”.​

Why Is the Consultation Happening Now?

Havering LPA sought and received approval at the 3 March 2026 Strategic Planning Committee to launch the statutory consultation, as published in formal reports. The LPA leads this process independently from the wider council, ensuring scrutiny akin to major applications despite the LDO granting upfront permission for specified developments. Helen Oakerbee, Havering Director of Planning and Public Protection, explained prior to the meeting:

“On 3 March, the LPA will attend SPC to seek permission to launch the statutory consultation on the proposed LDO for the East Havering Data Centre Campus”.

Once closed on 7 April, responses will be reviewed; significant feedback may prompt amendments or further consultation before a full report goes to the Committee. Residents can submit views via the East Havering Data Centre consultation page on Havering Council’s website.

How Can Residents Participate in the Consultation?

Two public drop-in events offer direct engagement: the first on Thursday 12 March 2026 from 6pm to 7.30pm at St Mary Magdalene Church in North Ockendon, and the second on Wednesday 25 March from 6pm to 7.30pm in Committee Room 3 at Havering Town Hall in Romford. Both feature presentations followed by Q&A sessions, providing chances to query planners. Helen Oakerbee urged participation, saying:

“She encouraged residents to explore the plans, review the documents online and attend one of the engagement events”.​

The LPA emphasises the short window as a key opportunity to study complex documents in detail.​

What Are the Main Concerns from Residents and Campaigners?

Local opposition focuses on Green Belt erosion, with campaigners fearing loss of open countryside, wildlife habitats in areas like the rare Fenns, and changes to the area’s character. Resident Emma Edmonds told Nub News:

“Havering Council have not engaged with residents at all. The datacentre is planned to be built on Green Belt and the rare Fenns. They are trying to slip in without anyone finding out but we intend to fight this as it will destroy the beautiful green belt and fens. We residents have not had a proper say. They have no idea how bad this is and how devastating it will be for the local environment”.

Havering Friends of the Earth expressed concerns over using an LDO instead of a full application, questioning green claims like renewables integration and carbon neutrality. Ian Pirie of Havering Friends of the Earth told the BBC he felt “mewled by the council regarding their concerns” about the 99-acre site near the Essex border. Fears also include traffic increases, massive energy demands, cooling needs (unmentioned in plans), and building scale.

Some warn the 28-day period is “nowhere near enough” for such a huge project.

What Benefits Do Supporters Highlight?

Backers, including Havering Council leader, emphasise economic and infrastructural gains. The project aligns with government Clean Growth Strategy, promising exemplar green infrastructure, 1,100 MW green renewable energy to the grid, and innovative heat repurposing for agriculture. It includes biodiversity net gains through planting and an accessible nature reserve.

Councillors from Havering Residents Association support it provisionally, noting job creation and service funding.

Where Exactly Is the Proposed Site?

The development targets Green Belt land in North Ockendon, east Havering near the Essex border, encompassing fens and countryside. Spanning 113 hectares for the ecology park alone, it covers about 99 acres (40 hectares) for core elements.

When Will a Final Decision Be Made?

Post-consultation, the LPA reviews feedback by mid-April 2026, potentially amending plans before submitting to the Strategic Planning Committee. No fixed date is set, but it follows standard LDO scrutiny.

Has This Proposal Faced Opposition Before?

Debate dates back years: in 2023, Havering Friends of the Earth criticised early Data Freeport plans. By 2024, campaigners told Nub News of inadequate scrutiny. Row deepened in February 2026 with consultation reveals. The Havering Daily noted deepening rows as plans advanced.

This ongoing saga underscores tensions between development and preservation in London’s Green Belt fringes. Residents’ input now shapes the future of this nationally significant project.