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Search the Public Notice PortalAn investigation is underway after works started on the site of a controversial data centre - while the proposal is "still being considered".
A spokesperson for Havering Council has told the Recorder that works are "underway" on the site of the huge East Havering Data Centre in Upminster, despite the fact that the plans have not yet been approved.
The proposed data centre has previously been described as being Europe's biggest of its type.
Members of the North Ockendon Residents Group and Havering Friends of the Earth spotted activity on the site - adjacent to Home Farm, Fen Lane - as early as November 2024, and reported it to the council's planning department.
The Recorder has seen CCTV footage from February 3 which appears to show a digger and other vehicles moving around on the site.
READ MORE: East Havering Data Centre plan near Upminster gets resident opposition
Havering Council said it is investigating the works.
A spokesperson told the Recorder: "The local planning authority (LPA) were made aware of the works underway, commissioned by the project promoter Digital Reef, which the LPA continue to investigate.
"The proposal is still being considered."
The East Havering Data Centre would consist of 15 warehouse-sized buildings - up to 21 metres tall - filled with 300,000 sqm of computer servers and 50,000 sqm of battery storage.
The proposals also include "horticultural facilities" and "green power generation technology".
Residents previously told the Recorder they felt like they were being "stonewalled" by Havering Council, after Digital Reef pursued a local development order (LDO), which does not require a formal planning application.
However, the council's strategic planning committee is still supposed to have the final say on the scheme, after a lengthy public consultation and scrutiny process.
Havering Council has not confirmed when the proposal is due to be decided.
The Recorder has contacted Digital Reef for comment but has not received a response.
*Since this article was published, Havering Council clarified on February 25 that the work it is investigating relates to preliminary site surveys.
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