Havering’s Local Planning Authority has launched a month long public consultation on the draft Local Development Order (LDO) covering the proposed East Havering Data Centre Campus in North Ockendon. The consultation is taking place from 06 March to 07 April 2026.

The proposed Campus will include multiple data centre buildings, an indoor horticultural facility, ecology park and visitor centre. These would contribute towards Havering, London and the UK’s data capacity and data security needs. The facility is also expected to generate substantial new employment and economic activity within the borough.

However, offsetting these benefits would be considerable loss of Green Belt land, with the total site area for the Campus estimated at about 200 hectares. Of this about one third would be for the buildings of the data centre itself, with the balance being used for an ‘Ecology Park/Green Space’. The works planned would be undertaken incrementally over the 20 years between 2026 and 2046 and would have a significant impact on the North Ockendon area.

Two public engagement events will be held during the consultation period –

• Thursday 12 March 2026, 6-7.30pm – St Mary Magdalene Church, North Ockendon RM14 3QH
• Wednesday 25 March 2026, 6-7.30pm – Committee Room 3, Havering Town Hall, Romford, RM1 3BB

Each event will include a presentation followed by a Q&A.

For further details of the project itself and the consultation process visit the Havering Council East Havering Data Centre consultation webpage.

By Editor on 6th March 2026   /   News   /   Leave a comment