‘Say NO to the Quarry’: Opposition to Rainham Quarry Intensifies as Petition Surpasses 1,250 Signatures

“The people of Rainham deserve respite, not more of the same with another quarry at Rainham Lodge Farm. As the MP for Dagenham and Rainham I say categorically that this planning application should be refused.” Margaret Mullane MP.

Opposition to the proposed Rainham Lodge Farm quarry continues, with a recently launched petition now exceeding 1,250 signatures, alongside nearly 2,000 formal objections submitted during the consultation phase.

The petition organised by the Havering Alliance group under the banner #StopTheQuarry — highlights concerns about dust and air quality, increased heavy goods vehicle traffic, loss of amenity, and potential harm to sensitive ecological sites such as Ingrebourne Marshes SSSI and Hornchurch Country Park.

Residents are also worried about the quarry’s proximity to homes, schools and nurseries, community services including the St George’s Wellbeing Hub, and local businesses that rely on a clean and safe environment. Campaigners say the scale of the proposed operation would fundamentally alter the character of the area.

Local residents say they have raised these concerns directly with Havering Council and are keen to engage constructively, but are currently awaiting clarity on how their concerns will be addressed as the application progresses.

Local MPs Join the Opposition

In recent weeks, as previously reported by the Havering Daily, local MPs have voiced their objections. Julia Lopez MP wrote to Havering Council’s Director of Planning to highlight residents’ concerns and urge councillors to take account of the strength of local feeling.

Her objection followed a personal appeal from the community — including a letter from eight-year-old Sophia, who wrote directly to Ms Lopez asking for support against the quarry. After receiving Sofia’s message, Ms Lopez submitted her formal objection.

Margaret Mullane MP, the Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham told the Havering Daily: “The people of Rainham deserve respite, not more of the same with another quarry at Rainham Lodge Farm. As the MP for Dagenham and Rainham I say categorically that this planning application should be refused.

Over a 20-year period there will be many thousands of HGV movements along lanes unfit for such traffic transporting aggregate to the Brett site off Launders Lane. 

This extra HGV traffic will contribute to worsening air quality in the area, already stressed by the ongoing fires at Arnolds Field.”

Residents Call on Council to Refuse Permission

With nearly 2,000 objections and a petition exceeding 1,250 signatures, residents are calling on Havering Council to refuse planning permission when the application is considered. Campaigners argue the proposal conflicts with key principles in the Havering Local Plan, including protecting local amenity and character, safeguarding nearby protected habitats, and ensuring developments do not harm air quality or road safety.

Local resident and Havering Alliance member Ann Harding said many residents feel the proposal would have a daily impact on families living, working, and accessing healthcare in the area:

“It’s crazy to have a quarry so close to homes — in some places only 170 metres — as well as the new St George’s medical hub and local schools. It would negatively impact people’s lives, health and wellbeing. I can’t think of a more inappropriate location for a quarry.”

Take Action

Residents can find out more about the campaign and how to get involved via the Havering Alliance group, including details of the petition opposing the quarry:

Haveringalliance.org
Change.org/stophaveringquarry

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