Residents Urged To Have Their Say On Plans To Build Huge Data Centre On Havering Green Belt.

Residents are being urged to have their say on controversial plans that could see a huge data centre campus built on Green Belt land in Havering.

Havering’s Local Planning Authority has launched a short public consultation on proposals for the East Havering Data Centre Campus, giving residents the opportunity to review the plans and submit their views before any final decision is made.

The consultation, which runs from 6 March to 7 April 2026, allows residents and stakeholders to examine the planning, environmental and technical documents connected to the proposed development.

The proposal is being considered through a draft Local Development Order. A Local Development Order grants planning permission in principle for certain types of development within a defined area, but it still requires detailed assessment and scrutiny similar to that of a major planning application.

The Local Planning Authority is leading the Local Development Order process independently from the wider council administration.

The plans have already generated considerable debate locally, largely because the proposed development would take place on Green Belt land that many residents say should remain protected.

Some local campaigners and residents have voiced concerns about the potential loss of open countryside, the impact on wildlife habitats and the long term effect on the character of the area. Others have raised questions about issues such as traffic, energy demand and the scale of the proposed buildings.

The short consultation period provides residents with the opportunity to study the plans in detail and make their views known before any decision is taken.

Two public engagement events will take place during the consultation period where residents can hear more about the proposals and ask questions.

The first event will be held on Thursday 12 March from 6pm to 7.30pm at St Mary Magdalene Church in North Ockendon. A second event will take place on Wednesday 25 March from 6pm to 7.30pm in Committee Room 3 at Havering Town Hall in Romford. Both sessions will include a presentation followed by a question and answer session.

Once the consultation closes on 7 April, all responses will be reviewed. The Local Planning Authority may amend the documents or carry out further consultation if significant changes are required. A full report will then be submitted to the Strategic Planning Committee for consideration.

Helen Oakerbee, Havering’s Director of Planning and Public Protection, said the consultation was an important opportunity for the public to share their views.

She encouraged residents to explore the plans, review the documents online and attend one of the engagement events.

Residents can view the consultation documents and submit comments through the East Havering Data Centre consultation page on Havering Council’s website.

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