It follows after the Romford Recorder received multiple calls from concerned locals after sightings of large lorries, diggers and machinery at a field opposite the junction of Paternoster Row and Church Road on Saturday (November 29).
Several of these vehicles appeared overnight and reportedly blocked the roads on Sunday (November 30) morning.
It is claimed that the machinery was being used in attempt to level the land.
Those reaching out to the Recorder feared that the intention was to illegally set up an encampment that could hold almost 80 caravans with no planning permission.
The council has launched a probe and says it is looking to place a planning enforcement notice and stop notice to prevent any further work.
Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said: “Cabinet is disappointed and shocked that this has taken place on private land.
“The council has a court injunction for unlawful encampments on Havering land, but this does not apply to this site. We will look at cleaning up any mess on our roads.
“The council’s planning enforcement team is currently carrying out an investigation and once we’ve looked into the matter we can then decide how best to respond.
“It is very likely that a planning enforcement notice and stop notice will be served.”
