Aveley Lake Holdings Limited has submitted a retrospective planning application to change the use of Whitepost Farm, in Ockendon Road, to a car sales site.
The application also includes the extension and recladding of buildings currently on the site, the laying of a gravel hardstanding and the installation of lighting columns and a security barrier.
Used car dealership London Motor Company (LMC) has been operating from the farm without planning permission since last year, changing its office address to the site on November 4, according to Companies House.
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However, planning documents reveal that building works started in June 2024 and finished in November.
The formal planning application follows involvement from Havering Council’s enforcement team and aims to “regularise the development that has occurred on the site”, according to planning documents.
The relationship between London Motor Company (LMC) and applicant Aveley Lake Holdings is unknown.
A planning statement drawn up by WSP, on behalf of Aveley Lake Holdings, details that the site stretches over 17,300 sq metres, incorporating two office buildings, two workshops, and two double-stacked cabin units.
There are also two parking areas and resurfaced gravel space in the centre for the display of cars for sale.
It is unclear from the planning documents how much of this development was already on the site before LMC moved there.
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Whitepost Farm is located within green belt land and a conservation area, but has had a “a range of uses over the years”, according to the planning statement, including offices, call centres and joinery workshops.
WSP also claimed that LMC “was local prior to relocating to Whitepost Farm consolidating their operation from two sites to one”.
Havering Council is expected to make a decision on the application by July 25.
LMC has been contacted for comment.
