Almost 50 green belt sites across Havering could be built on after developers submitted controversial plans to have their protected status removed.

The proposals, which come as part of the new Local Plan preparation for the borough, will be reviewed “in due course” by Havering Council.

In total, 47 sites have been earmarked for potential building work.

The largest of those is a 79.7 plot of land at Bush Farm, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, which would be used for “residential, education and community facilities”.

Next is a 68.3 hectare plot in Hill Farm, Noak Hill, which would become residential and commercial properties.

A 33 hectare site between London Road and the A12 in Romford is also listed, for “leisure and residential use”.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell said the approach to green-belt was “outdated”

“Proper green belt must be protected but we should be much more pragmatic,” he said. “If it’s a little patch of land in between properties that can be developed in a tasteful way we should.

“I will always defend real green belt but that doesn’t mean we can’t be flexible in areas that could be developed.”

Labour councillor Keith Darvill said the land should be protected, with modifications made to improve the housing issues.

“There needs to be more give and take,” he said. “Some agricultural land is not green belt but maybe could be protected, while some green belt sites could be built on.”

Earlier this month, leader Cllr Roger Ramsey said all proposals would be considered.

To view the full list of sites, visit havering.gov.uk/Documents/Planning/green-belt-sites.pdf.