Two More Village Greens Secured in Havering

Havering Council has officially granted Village Green status to two more green spaces, bringing the borough’s total to 14 and securing long-term protection for valued community spaces.

The latest designations were confirmed at the weekend, with Cherry Tree Lane in South Hornchurch becoming Havering’s 13th Village Green, followed by Havering Well Garden in Romford as the 14th.

Both events were well attended, with large numbers of residents turning out alongside local councillors to mark the milestone and celebrate the protection of these much-loved green spaces.

Village Green status provides one of the strongest forms of protection against development. Once designated, land is safeguarded in law and cannot be built on unless an Act of Parliament is passed, making it extremely difficult for future development proposals to proceed.

The designation reflects the importance of these spaces to the local community, often recognising long-standing public use for recreation and community activities.

Residents at both events welcomed the news, highlighting the value of preserving green spaces in increasingly built-up areas. For many, these locations are not just open land, but key parts of community life where families, children and neighbours come together.

Local councillors also attended the ceremonies, acknowledging the work carried out to secure the designations and the role of residents in supporting the applications.

The latest designations also reflect a wider commitment made by the Havering Residents Association during the last local election campaign to protect and expand green spaces across the borough.

Cllr Graham Williamson of the Havering Residents Association said: “This is a fantastic result for local residents and shows what can be achieved when communities come together to protect the spaces that matter to them. This was also a clear commitment we made to residents at the last election, and we are delivering on that promise. Village Green status gives these areas the strongest possible protection, ensuring they remain for residents to enjoy for generations to come.”

The addition of Cherry Tree Lane and Havering Well Garden continues Havering’s efforts to protect green spaces across the borough, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.

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