“Get Your Hands Off Our Green Belt”: Residents Call On Brownfield Sites To Be Built On And Not Greenbelt Land.

Residents across Havering are raising concerns about the future of the borough’s green spaces as fears grow over potential development on green belt land right across the borough.

The fields at the back of Wingletye Lane in Hornchurch.

Objections have now been launched opposing a proposed development at Benets Road, with campaigners determined to protect what they describe as one of the borough’s valued green areas.

The concerns are not limited to one site. Across Havering, residents are questioning why green belt land is being considered for housing when a number of brownfield sites remain undeveloped or appear to have stalled despite previously receiving planning permission.

One resident told The Havering Daily:

“Havering has huge brownfield sites that are derelict eyesores, with near or actual planning consent granted. Homebase and the ice rink are just two examples.”

The resident continued:

“There are also massive housing developments that have ground to a total halt. Yet we are all being asked to sacrifice green belt or green spaces and change our beautiful borough forever.”

Residents say they would like greater clarity on the reasons why some developments have not progressed and are calling for information from the relevant authorities and developers.

“We hear different explanations for why some developments have stalled, but local people want to know what the facts are and what can be done to get housing delivered on brownfield land.”

The resident added:

“What is the truth? Who has to raise these extra costs if that’s the issue? Is it developers, the Mayor and Greater London Authority, central government or Havering Council?”

Campaigners argue that every effort should be made to maximise housing delivery on brownfield sites before green belt land is considered for development.

“The funds needed must be raised urgently to help save our beautiful green borough and provide the housing people need.”

Residents are also concerned about whether local infrastructure would be able to cope with significant future housing growth.One local resident told the Havering Daily:

“Locals are urging Havering Council to put pressure on developers to complete their projects and provide homes for people on brownfield sites while protecting our green spaces.”

They are also calling for sufficient investment in schools, GP services, dentists, public transport, recreation facilities and healthcare provision to support existing and future communities.

“Ensuring that there are sufficient schools, doctors, dentists, shopping and recreation facilities along with public transport and infrastructure such as hospitals to meet demand. But who else do we turn to?”

For many residents, the issue is about striking the right balance between delivering much-needed homes and preserving the green spaces that contribute to Havering’s character.

As opposition to development on green belt land grows, campaigners behind the Bennetts Road petition say they will continue making their voices heard.

Their message is simple:

“Get your hands off our green belt land.”

Please the link below to object to the planning application to build 475 homes behind Wingletye Lane in Hornchurch.

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