Havering Local Planning Authority has launched a month-long public consultation on the draft Local Development Order (LDO) that would enable the development of East Havering Data Centre.
Running from 6 March to 7 April 2026, the consultation gives residents and stakeholders the chance to review all planning, environmental and technical documents and provide feedback on the plans before any final decision is taken by the Strategic Planning Committee on whether to adopt the LDO.
The draft LDO sets out the planning framework for a new datacentre campus in North Ockendon, including multiple datacentre buildings, an indoor horticultural facility, Ecology Park and visitor centre.
A Local Development Order grants planning permission for specific types of development upfront but still requires the same level of assessment and scrutiny as any major application.
The LPA leads the LDO process independently from the wider Council.
Public consultation events
Two public engagement events will take place during the consultation period:
- Thursday 12 March 2026, 6pm to 7.30pm – St Mary Magdalene Church, North Ockendon, RM14 3QH
- Wednesday 25 March 2026, 6pm to 7.30pm – Committee Room 3, Havering Town Hall, Romford, RM1 3BB
Each event will include a presentation followed by a Q&A.
Next steps
All comments will be reviewed after the consultation closes.
The LPA may amend the LDO documents or carry out further consultation if significant changes are required.
A full report will then be submitted for consideration by the Strategic Planning Committee.
Helen Oakerbee, Havering Director of Planning and Public Protection, said:
"Today we have opened the statutory consultation on the proposed LDO for the East Havering Data Centre Campus.
"This is an important opportunity for residents to explore the plans in detail and tell us what they think.
“We encourage everyone to take part, whether by reviewing the documents online, sending in comments or attending one of our public events.
"Your feedback will help shape the next stage of the process.”
Residents can view all documents and submit comments through the consultation webpage.