Havering Council has cleared up rumours that the East Havering Data Centre plan is moving forward to its consultation stage in January, following a webpage preview “published in error”.
A preview to a page on the council’s website previously stated that “the consultation is open from XX January 2026 to XX February 2026”.
The council has apologised, confirming that this was published by mistake due to a “technical issue” following works to the council’s IT systems.
A spokesperson for Havering Local Planning Authority – the independent council department which manages planning – said: “The East Havering Data Centre consultation will not launch on 20 January.
“The webpage preview referred to was published in error due to a technical issue following major works to the council’s IT systems.
“We apologise for any confusion.”
The East Havering Data Centre proposes building 15 warehouse-sized buildings – filled with 300,000 sqm of computer servers – on green belt land near Fen Lane, in North Ockendon.
The council webpage for the project states that the authority is “collaborating with private developer Digital Reef” to bring forward the proposals, which have been “endorsed” by cabinet members.
Digital Reef is hoping to secure approval for the data centre via a Local Development Order (LDO), which provides permission for specific types of development without the need for a planning application.
This route was first floated more than two years ago, however a public consultation – required for a minimum of 28 days before an LDO can be adopted – has not yet taken place.
A spokesperson for Havering Local Planning Authority said: “Any decision to go out to consultation requires the decision from the strategic planning Committee (SPC).
“A date for the Local Development Order (LDO) proposals at SPC will be announced in due course.”
