Major plans submitted in and around Havering in 2024

While some have already been decided, many more are still under consideration by Havering Council and Brentwood Council, with decisions expected in 2025. 

Whatever happens will shape our borough over the next year (and beyond), so here are just some of the major plans submitted this year that you should be aware of.

Major plans submitted in and around Havering in 2024

Rainham Lodge Farm quarry

A quarry is planned for the 55-hectare Rainham Lodge Farm site (Image: Stephen M Daw Ltd)

Building materials cosmpany Brett submitted an application (P1251.24) for a quarry at Rainham Lodge Farm, in Berwick Pond Road, Upminster.

The controversial proposal - which was received by the council in October, but has been in the pipeline since 2023 - would see two million tonnes of sand and gravel extracted from the farmland, if approved. 

Nearly 2,000 residents have objected to the plans, and Havering Council is expected to make a decision on January 22.

Chippenham Road 138-home development

A CGI of how the Chippenham Road development could look (Image: Havering and Wates Regeneration LLP)

Development company Wates, in partnership with Havering Council, submitted a proposal in September (P1150.24) for the redevelopment of the site in between Chippenham Road, Kings Lynn Drive and Dartfields, Harold Hill.

This application forms part of the wider regeneration of Harold Hill - one of the 12 areas earmarked for redevelopment under Havering Council and Wates' joint 12 Sites Project.

If approved it would see 138 new homes built across four flat blocks, with courtyards in the middle. 

Havering Council were due to make a decision on December 10, but the application is still marked as undecided on the council's planning portal.

New M25 service stations

The plans for new motorway services near Brentwood are under consideration (Image: Moto)

At the end of July, Moto submitted an outline application for twin service stations on either side of the M25, between junction 27 and junction 28.

Moto claims the project would bring £80 million investment to the area - but the proposals sparked backlash from residents who called it an "attack on our community".

Brentwood Council was expected to make a decision by October 28, however the plans are still marked as "pending consideration".

Welcome Break also announced a proposal to build a new service station on the same stretch of the M25 - less than two months after Moto submitted its plans.

Romford and Hornchurch car park housing developments

Dorrington Gardens car park could become a 34-home development if plans are approved (Image: Google Maps)

Four public car parks - Como Street and Angel Way in Romford, and Dorrington Gardens and Keswick Avenue in Hornchurch - were earmarked for housing developments by Havering Council this year.

The planning application for 34 new homes at Dorrington Gardens car park was officially submitted in November (P1463.24), while the Keswick Avenue car park plans (P0472.24) were approved in August.

An official application has not yet been submitted for Angel Way, but the Como Street development has had the height of the tower blocks proposed reduced to nine storeys.