‘Havering Council just want to bury it’s head in the sand. Over 230 local authorities have approved a climate change emergency, yet our administration voted against adoption.’

Residents Association Councillors are inviting residents to join them outside Romford Town Hall on Wednesday 25th September, at 6.30, as part of their “Save Our Open Space” campaign.

There are a number of planning applications and proposals being submitted to Havering Council that are raising disquiet amongst Havering’s residents and have caused numerous protests across the borough.

Councillor Graham Williamson told the Havering Daily ‘Enough is enough. We recognise that housing is needed within the borough and that there are huge challenges in delivering the numbers we are expected to deliver as part of the Mayors Plan, but why do this Administration seem hell bent on building on the boroughs open spaces?

‘That is the lazy option to deliver what the borough actually needs.’

Taking on board local people’s concerns the Independent Residents’, Residents’ and Upminster and Cranham Resident Association Councillors submitted the following motion for the next Council meeting:

‘This Council views with concern the lack of protection and the rise of planning and development proposals on Havering’s high value public open green spaces. Currently at risk and under threat are the Upminster Pitch & Putt, Gooshays Green and Dover’s Farm Green.

‘Whilst we are under pressure from the Mayor of London and the Government to deliver unsustainable housing targets, our green and open spaces including green belt, must be preserved on health and well being and air quality grounds. The focus must turn to the mapping and development of the boroughs Brownfield sites.

‘The Council therefore agrees that the focus must turn to the mapping and development of the borough’s Brownfield sites before, consideration is given to the development of the boroughs green spaces.’

Councillor Gillian Ford said, ‘It is totally inappropriate for the Council’s own housing company to be considering developing the Hall Lane Upminster Pitch & Putt site. This site has a unique place in Upminster’s history and makes a crucial contribution towards Havering’s ability to deliver against the UN Sustainable Delivery Goal 13.

‘Residents are not necessarily aware of our obligations to deliver Sustainable Development Goals, and local governments are going to have to speed up initiatives on mitigating against Goal 13 climate Change.’

Councillor Ford went on to say, ‘Havering Council’s Administration just wants to bury it’s head in the sand. Over 230 local authorities have approved a Climate Change emergency, yet our administration voted against adoption. They just want to build on green field sites rather than focusing attention on the boroughs brownfield sites that can deliver sustainable housing options alongside the retention of open spaces for our residents health and well being.’