Exclusive: “Completely The Wrong Place” Romford MP Attacks Plans For Massive Data Centre On Havering Greenbelt.

“The Havering Residents Association Council should be ashamed of themselves and the way they have treated these residents.”

Those were the strong words from the Reform Member of Parliament for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, who yesterday visited North Ockendon, the site of a proposed huge data centre development in Havering on Green Belt land.

Mr Rosindell came to offer his support to residents who say they feel completely let down and unheard as they continue to object to the scale and location of the proposed development.

During the visit, the MP listened as residents explained that while many do not object to the concept of a data centre itself, they strongly oppose its location in the middle of protected Green Belt countryside.

Residents living close to the proposed site spoke of their anger, concerns and frustrations, warning that a development of this scale could dramatically alter the character of the rural area and have a serious impact on local nature, wildlife and the environment.

Many told Mr Rosindell they had moved to North Ockendon specifically to live in the countryside and fear that such a large development would fundamentally change the landscape and way of life in the area.

Residents also expressed concern about the consultation process, explaining that they have been presented with nearly 3,000 pages of technical documentation and asked to review and respond within a relatively short consultation period.

Speaking to residents, Mr Rosindell said:

“I care about Havering, all of it as this is the place I was born. I believe that we should remain a town and country borough, and not turned into inner London. We need to protect beautiful parts like North Ockendon, our wildlife and our countryside. A data centre is needed but it should be appropriately located and we should not allow them to destroy our countryside.”

He continued:

“Clearly the residents here and their entire existence is going to be ruined by this proposed development. This is in completely the wrong place and I do not like the way the Havering Residents Association seems to me that they are pushing this to go ahead before the election.”

Mr Rosindell also raised concerns about the consultation period, adding:

“Twenty eight day consultation is not acceptable. We need a serious and detailed consultation with a maximum period as this is very technical and needs clear analysis before a decision is made. The rush to approve this development is completely wrong.”

He went on to call on the council to allow more time for public engagement, saying:

“I now call on the council to allow a full consultation for the maximum period, to allow local people across the borough to express their opinions and call on them to look at alternative locations so this area retains its Green Belt land.”

The MP added:

“I think that the Havering Residents Association Council should be ashamed of themselves and the way they have treated these residents. They haven’t actually listened to the concerns of the local people and neither has their Member of Parliament. I will do everything I can to support these residents and raise this issue.”

Residents who attended the meeting said they remain deeply concerned that such a large development could affect Green Belt land and wildlife, and believe more time should be given for the public to properly review the proposals before any decision is made.

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