What Is A ‘Call For Sites’ and Why Havering Has 78?

Havering Council has received 78 submissions from landowners and developers in its latest “Call for Sites,” but what exactly does that mean for our borough and its Green Belt?

A Call for Sites is part of the Local Plan process, designed to help councils plan for the future of their area. It’s essentially an open invitation to anyone who owns land — whether farms, back gardens, car parks, or industrial sites — to suggest plots that could potentially be developed. These sites can be considered for housing, commercial use, schools, healthcare, or other community needs.

Importantly, submitting a site does not guarantee development. Each site undergoes a rigorous assessment to check if it is suitable, available, and deliverable within the plan period. Councils consider factors such as environmental constraints, infrastructure, and impact on local communities before making any decisions.

In Havering, the 78 submissions reflect a high level of interest from developers eager to contribute to the borough’s housing and development plans. Many of these proposed sites are within or near Green Belt land, with some developers advocating for reclassification as “grey belt” to make building easier.

The council is currently assessing all 78 sites. Only those that meet strict criteria will be included in the next stages of the Local Plan, which will then go out for public consultation. Residents will have the chance to give their views before any final decisions are made.

Havering Council has emphasised that community needs and infrastructure will be central to any development decisions. “Our priority is sustainable development that supports families and preserves the character of the borough,” a council spokesperson said.

For now, the 78 sites are a starting point — a snapshot of the land developers believe could shape Havering’s future. How many will actually make it into the Local Plan remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation about our borough’s future, especially our Green Belt, is just getting started.

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