“Time to Be Heard” Residents Express Anger At Council Over Short Consultation on East Havering Data Centre

Havering residents say they are deeply concerned about the potential impact of the proposed East Havering Data Centre Local Development Order, warning the scale of the scheme could have lasting consequences for local communities, the environment and the character of the borough.

Campaigners are now calling for a longer consultation period, arguing that residents deserve more time to understand and respond to what they describe as a major and complex development that could significantly affect their daily lives.

Under planning rules, the statutory minimum consultation period for a Local Development Order is 28 days, although councils can allow up to 12 weeks.

Over recent weeks, residents have contacted MPs, ward councillors and senior council officials requesting a longer consultation period. Those contacted include Chief Executive Andrew Blake-Herbert, Council Leader Ray Morgon and Julia Lopez MP.

Residents say they feel anxious about the potential impact of the proposed development, raising concerns about environmental effects, pressure on local infrastructure and changes to the surrounding landscape. Some fear the project could alter the character of their communities and affect future generations.

The issue was raised at a recent cabinet meeting by ST Alban’s Councillor Jane Keane, who asked whether a period longer than the statutory minimum would be considered. Mr Blake-Herbert responded that it would not and said it was not usual practice for consultation periods to be extended.

Residents argue they are not seeking an extension to an existing period but are instead requesting a longer consultation timeframe from the outset, which planning rules allow. They say the scale of the proposal and the volume of supporting documents require time to properly review, understand and respond.

Opponents of the scheme say the project is highly technical and complex, and they believe a shorter consultation period risks preventing residents from fully engaging with the planning process. Some have described the situation as overwhelming, saying the amount of information involved makes it difficult for ordinary residents to assess the potential impact within a limited timeframe.

Questions have also been raised by some residents about the timing of the consultation, particularly with pre election restrictions due to come into force later in March. They say they want greater clarity from the council on why the minimum consultation period is being used.

A petition has now been launched calling for a 12 week public consultation on the proposed data centre Local Development Order, with organisers saying it aims to show the strength of public concern and the desire for a fair and transparent process.

The council has previously stated that consultation periods follow established planning procedures and that all representations received within the timeframe will be considered as part of the decision making process.

For many residents, however, the issue goes beyond planning rules. They say the outcome could shape the future of their neighbourhoods, and believe they should be given sufficient time to understand proposals that may have a significant impact on their environment, quality of life and local area for years to come.

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