The only objection made to a small plot of green space - land which is deemed “important” to the community - being granted official Village Green status, has been made by Havering Council.

Residents of Dovers Farm estate, Rainham, were shocked to receive a notice from the local authority in 2015, detailing a proposal to build 32 houses on the green next to their homes.

After the application was refused last year, residents decided to try and secure the open space by applying for village green status.

The community uses the land for fetes, football matches as well as a children’s play area but following a public consultation, it has been revealed that no one has objected ti the application apart from Havering Council itself.

Resident Matt Stanton said: “This land is part of the character of the estate so it means something to the residents here but I think it’s also important I think to the wider borough.

“It’s happening everywhere, councils are determined to build more housing but we’re not against that, we just want new housing not to impact our quality of life or the lives of those moving into the new homes.”

A decision has not yet been made on the green space’s future but Councillor Graham Williamson believes the council should retract its objection so the community can continue to use the land.

He said: “Despite the slap in the face to my residents, I hope that the council will think again and finally accept that this green is a historic and much loved space.

“I am calling upon the council to withdraw its objection and finally adopt the local’s application to turn the space into a Village Green without further ado.”

A Havering Council spokesman, said: “An application has been made for the listing of land situated in New Zealand Way as a village green.

“The council has, as the land owner, made representations on this.

“A decision on the application will be made in the near future once the process has been completed.”