Five major Havering development plans that are undecided

Some have already passed their original target decision dates, while others were due to be decided this month but have since been pushed back.

The Recorder has rounded up five of the biggest plans which could transform parts of the borough.

Former Homebase, Romford

Homebase Romford has been earmarked for redevelopment (Image: Charlotte Anderson)

Plans have been submitted to redevelop the former Homebase site in Davidson Way into more than 550 homes and space for a new school, with Romford Civic Society recently objecting.

Havering Council had been expected to make a decision on the plans by September 15, but a decision is yet to be made.

Rainham Lodge Farm quarry

The applicant's aim is to extract two million tonnes of sand and gravel from farmland off Berwick Pond Road (Image: Stephen M Daw Ltd)

Plans for a huge new quarry on farmland between Upminster and Rainham were submitted by building materials company Brett in 2024, attracting significant opposition from residents.

A decision was initially expected by January 22, 2025, but the application remains undecided more than a year later.

East Havering Data Centre

How the data centre could look (Image: Digital Reef)

Proposals for the East Havering Data Centre would see a huge data centre campus developed near Upminster, with planning documents indicating construction could take place between 2026 and 2046 if approved.

The plans are being progressed through a local development order (LDO), which would effectively grant planning permission upfront for specified development across the proposed campus.

Havering’s strategic planning committee agreed in March to allow consultation on the draft LDO, but the LDO itself remains undecided.

Former Debenhams, Romford Market Place

The former Debenhams site could become flats, a hotel and new retail space (Image: Newsquest London)

Plans were formally submitted in January to demolish the former Debenhams building in Market Place and replace it with flats, a hotel and retail space.

A decision was expected from the council by March 19, but has yet to be made.

Como Street car park, Romford

What the Como Street development could look like (Image: Havering Council)

A planning application to build 137 homes on the site of Como Street car park was submitted in August 2025, as part of wider proposals to redevelop council-owned car parks across Romford.

The scheme was recommended for approval this month, but a decision has since been pushed back, leaving its future undecided.