Havering Councillor Insists The Proposed Data Centre is in The Right Place.

In response to yesterday’s article in the Havering Daily on the huge proposed data centre on Havering’s Greenbelt land-Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member For Development & Regeneration today writes:

“We appreciate that some residents have strong views about the proposed data centre, and we want to reassure the community that this project is going through a full statutory consultation, open to anyone who wishes to respond, run by the Local Planning Authority. No decisions have been made, and residents’ feedback remains essential to the process.

The proposal is being considered because it represents a major opportunity for jobs, investment and long‑term economic growth in Havering. The East Havering site was previously identified in strategic planning documents as the only land suitable for employment use, located close to existing industrial zones and key infrastructure.

The proposal is also in line with the national infrastructure policy of national government to help provide much needed data security for the UK.

The Romford MP is totally incorrect on this being in the wrong place; the location offers a unique opportunity due to its connectivity, land capacity and access to power and fibre infrastructure needed for modern digital facilities. The scheme would deliver data centre space and create hundreds of high‑value jobs – opportunities that will directly benefit young people across the borough. 

In order to secure a release of green belt land, a very special circumstance test needs to be applied, and one that we believe identifies this is one of the few places where such a development can be delivered.  Therefore it is the right place.

We understand that environmental considerations are a priority for many residents. The proposal includes a new Ecology Park and Visitor Centre, which would increase public access to green space, biodiversity and cycling routes, presently private and inaccessible.

Our responsibility is to look ahead and ensure Havering has a strong economic future, with opportunities that allow young people to stay, live and work locally. 

This means balancing environmental protection with the need for new jobs, modern infrastructure and sustainable growth.

We care deeply about residents, their concerns and their long‑term future. That is why we remain committed to a transparent process, thorough engagement and making decisions based on evidence, consultation and what will benefit Havering for generations to come.

You could argue that this should be a priority for the Romford MP, who says he is focused on our borough’s future. Having served for almost 25 years as a Conservative MP – including 14 years in government which imposed a period of significant public‑sector pressures – he has since moved to Reform (along with some other former local Conservative councillors) and is now trying to position himself as everybody’s ‘hero’ when he has never expressed an opinion before on this.

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