“Not Here”: North Ockendon Residents Protest Over Greenbelt Havering Data Centre Plans

Residents in North Ockendon took to the streets on Saturday morning to protest against proposals to build a large data centre on Fenn Lane.

Local campaigners gathered to voice their concerns about the scale and suitability of the development, with demonstrators saying they believe the location is not appropriate for such a major project.

Among those present was Ian Pirie from Havering Friends of the Earth, who joined residents calling for greater scrutiny of the plans and urging the community to take part in the consultation process.

Campaigners say the proposal has caused significant concern locally, with residents raising questions about the potential impact on the surrounding area, including the possible loss of wildlife and damage to green spaces. Those attending the protest said they wanted their voices heard before any decisions are made.

One resident told The Havering Daily: “I bought my house here because it was quiet and out in the green fields. This would be an awful destruction of our greenbelt.”

Residents at the protest said the development would represent a major change for the area and argued it was not the right location for a project of this scale.

A short consultation period is currently open, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to submit their views on the proposed scheme. Opponents of the development are encouraging members of the public to review the plans and formally raise any concerns through the official process.

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