“We Are Not Anti Data Activists We Are Residents In the Community Desperately Trying To Save Our Greenbelt.”

Residents in North Ockendon have voiced serious concerns over what they describe as a “rushed and inadequate” consultation process surrounding the proposed data centre development, warning that thousands of pages of complex planning documents have been released with only 28 days for the public to review them and submit responses.

Local residents have raised concerns about the consultation process, stating that while the council has referred to it as a “full statutory consultation”, the 28 day period represents the minimum time legally required. They say that for a proposal of this scale and complexity, best practice would normally involve a 12 week consultation period.

Residents also point out that members of the public and other interested parties are being asked to review and comment on around 2,753 pages of highly technical documentation within that 28 day period, which includes the Easter holidays.

According to residents, requests for a longer consultation period have been made by members of the community, ward councillors, certain Strategic Planning Committee members, and by MP Julia Lopez, but they say these requests have not been accepted.

Some residents have also expressed concern that they feel there has been limited engagement with the public during the three years in which the Local Planning Authority has been developing the Local Development Order. They say they would have welcomed earlier opportunities to discuss the proposal, raise concerns and ask questions.

Residents say that because of this, they do not feel the process reflects the level of openness and transparency they would have hoped for on a development of this scale.

Some residents have also taken issue with comments previously made by Councillor Graham Williamson, who referred to some campaigners as “anti data centre activists”. Residents responding to this say they see themselves not as activists, but as members of the community who are concerned about the potential impact on their homes, environment and future.

The residents’ group also questioned claims regarding employment opportunities linked to the proposed development. Councillor Williamson has previously spoken about the potential for hundreds of high value jobs. However, residents say they would like to see more detailed information about the expected number of jobs, their skill levels and whether they would be likely to benefit local people.

They also raised concerns about the potential environmental and infrastructure impacts of a large scale data centre, including the significant electricity and water consumption that such facilities can require. Some residents say they have been informed by individuals working within utility services that additional infrastructure upgrades may be necessary.

Residents also say they have learned that additional electrical substations could be required in the area and have raised concerns about the possible impact this could have on surrounding Green Belt land.

Environmental concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on local hedgerows and trees along Fen Lane. Residents say they understand that the road could need to be widened to accommodate a large number of construction vehicles during the building phase of the project.

The group say their primary concern remains the protection of the Metropolitan Green Belt, which they describe as an important environmental buffer that helps prevent urban sprawl between London and Essex.

They argue that once Green Belt land is lost to development, it cannot easily be restored.

Residents have welcomed the support of Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, who has previously expressed opposition to development on the Green Belt.

Those raising concerns have also suggested that a public debate involving councillors, residents and relevant specialists could help provide clarity and allow questions about the project to be addressed openly.

They say they hope that greater discussion and transparency will allow all sides of the argument to be properly examined before any final decisions are made.

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