Havering Council is currently reviewing construction activity at the proposed site for the East Havering Data Centre near Upminster, despite ongoing considerations for planning permission. Council director Helen Oakerbee communicated with residents, clarifying that the planning enforcement team conducted an inconclusive visit last November to determine if planning permission was needed. The North Ockendon Residents Group has raised concerns, claiming the works proceeded without sufficient transparency. The council has been in contact with the developer, actively seeking legal advice to address the situation effectively and ensure adherence to planning regulations.
In her response on February 15, Ms Oakerbee assured residents that "the work underway on land adjacent to Home Farm has not proceeded unchecked". She confirmed that the planning enforcement team conducted an initial site visit at the end of November, but it was "inconclusive" as to whether planning permission is required for the works taking place.
The North Ockendon Residents Group has sent numerous emails - seen by the Recorder - to Havering Council's planning department since activity was first spotted in November 2024, questioning the nature and extent of the works.
In her email, Ms Oakerbee highlighted that the local planning authority (LPA) has been in ongoing communication with the developer, requesting further details on the extent of the activity.
The email from the council indicated that they have actively sought legal advice regarding the situation, signaling the complexity and urgency of the planning issues at hand.
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