Image of ecology park - CGI artist impression - Wetland Discovery
The East Havering Data Centre Campus, Green Energy Infrastructure and Ecology Park Project could deliver thousands of local jobs, a new public green space, and new digital infrastructure to support the local and wider UK economy, subject to planning approval.
The scheme is situated on the boundary of Havering and Thurrock to the east of the M25 and would deliver up to 400,000 square meters of data centre space, battery storage, horticulture, educational and renewable energy facilities.
The proposals include an extensive 113-hectare Ecology Park, created in partnership with the local community which would be open to the public and fully accessible through new footpath and cycling routes.
Across construction, operation and the wider supply chain, the scheme is projected to deliver a minimum of 9,000 new jobs across the borough and generate income for London Borough of Havering Council in the region of £13.5million annually – a catalyst for economic growth and investment into the local community.
This project also has the potential to become a leading centre for the development of green technology, across energy, waste, agriculture and land management, supporting the advancement of local skills in the science and technology, sustainability and data economy sectors.
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The Council is collaborating with private developer Digital Reef to bring forward these proposals which have been endorsed by Cabinet Members.
The Council’s role is completely separate from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) role and responsibilities.
As with any planning matter the LPA is committed to a robust and lawful process whereby the scheme must go through the appropriate planning process.
The scheme would increase access to green spaces for all and would include an extensive and fully accessible 113-hectare Ecology Park, equivalent to more than 182 football pitches, created in partnership with the local community with new footpath and cycling routes.
This engagement is running ahead of the formal consultation process led by the Local Planning Authority, which is expected later this year, subject to approval by the Strategic Planning Committee.
- November 2022 – Cabinet consider £5.3bn investment opportunity for Havering
- November 2022 – East Havering report for Cabinet
- November 2022 – Cabinet endorse proposals
- April 2023 – Cabinet updated on plans for East Havering Data Centre
- April 2023 – Plans shared at Strategic Planning Committee
- June 2023 - Strategic Planning Committee updates about plans
- May 2024 - Strategic Planning Committee updated on east Havering data centre plans
- June 2024 - The role of the Local Planning Authority and Local Development Order process explained
A comprehensive programme of engagement with the local community took place in May 2024 with residents living close to the scheme, led by Digital Reef.
The local community was invited to hear more about the plans at special events and will be followed by widespread engagement with schools, colleges, organisations, and community groups in the summer.
This engagement will run ahead of the formal consultation process led by the Local Planning Authority, which is expected later this year, subject to approval by the Strategic Planning Committee.
For more information about the scheme visit the Digital Reef website.
Learn more about the role of the Local Planning Authority and the process for a Local Development Order (LDO).