“We Will Do Everything We Can To Defend This Green Belt”:Council Leader Backs Residents In Fight Against 475 Hornchurch Homes.

Residents from all across Hornchurch gathered yesterday afternoon alongside Havering’s Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Prince, and local councillors to object to plans to build 475 homes on Green Belt land.

The plans would see up to 475 homes built on land at the back of Wingletye Lane near Benets Road, where beautiful green fields and farmland currently stretch towards Upminster.

Residents stood side by side with Councillor Keith Prince, Councillor John Tyler, Councillor Lesley Tyler, Councillor Christine Vickery, Councillor Tom Vickery and Councillor Bailey Nash-Gardner to send one clear message:

“Hands Off Our Green Belt.”

The gathering demonstrated the strength of feeling surrounding the proposal, with residents determined to protect land they believe is an invaluable asset to the local community.

Addressing the crowd, Councillor Prince said:

“Clearly this is Green Belt and I can assure you that as far as we are concerned we will do everything we can to defend this piece of land as Green Belt.”

Residents are heavily objecting to the building of hundreds of homes on land they say is much loved and well used by the community.

The fields are not only productive farmland, but also provide an important green space enjoyed by local people. The land stretches as far as Upminster and many residents believe its value to the community is priceless.

Campaigners also highlighted the area’s importance as a wildlife haven. They say the fields are home to badgers, bats and many other species, and fear development could have a significant impact on local habitats.

Traffic concerns were also raised repeatedly throughout the gathering.

Residents pointed to Wingletye Lane as being one of the most congested roads in Havering, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times due to the large number of nearby schools and colleges.

Many also highlighted that the nearby Dury Falls Estate is currently accessed by just one road, which they say already creates challenges for residents living in the area.

Campaigners argue that any significant increase in housing could place further pressure on an already busy local road network.

Throughout the afternoon, Havering councillors and local residents stood arm in arm, united in their opposition to the proposal and determined to make their voices heard during the planning process.

Councillor John Tyler from the Upminster and Cranham Residents Association Leader said: “Havering Council;s Green Belt Study categorised the overall contribution to the Green Belt of the area included in this application as ‘ fundamental’, while the local authority’s ‘Havering Character Study’, describes this area as a ‘strategic biodiversity and green spaces connection.’ Not only that but this is also productive farmland. For the applicant to say that the site should be designated as ‘greybelt’ or that there are ‘very special circumstances’ for building on this part of Greenbelt, is just a calculated distortion of national, regional local planning policy’.

Councillor Tyler added: “There are already large local brownfield sites in Romford and Rainham, such as Beam Park, the former ice rink site, Bridge Close and the former Waterloo estate, that have been earmarked for development into nearly 7,000 homes for nearly a decade, without any being built.”

Residents have reported that heavy machine entered the site and tore down many of the hedge rows. It is believed Havering Council are now conducting an urgent Planning Enforcement eqnquiry.

Michelle, who is leading the Save Our Fields Campaign, summed up the feelings of many residents when she said:

“This development would be catastrophic for this area.”

Judging by the turnout and strength of feeling on display yesterday, one thing is already clear: many Hornchurch residents are determined to fight to protect what they see as their Green Belt land.

For those gathered yesterday, the message could not have been clearer: “This is our Green Belt. Hands off our fields.”

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