The Council's Cabinet will review proposals next week to commence work on the new Local Plan. An initial public consultation is recommended to launch in January 2027, aiming to shape both the plan's content and resident involvement.
This initiative follows significant changes to national planning regulations, requiring councils across England to prepare new-style Local Plans. Havering would publish its intention to begin work later this month if the Cabinet approves the timetable on 11 November.
The upcoming consultation will offer residents, businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders an opportunity to identify priorities, challenges, and opportunities for the borough's future. Councillor Terry Brown, Cabinet Member for Planning, highlighted the importance of this engagement.
“"This is an important opportunity for residents and organisations across Havering to help shape the future of our Borough. The planning system sets many of the rules and requirements that Councils must work within, but this consultation will allow local people to tell us what matters most to them and help inform the direction of the new Local Plan. We want to hear views on housing, transport, infrastructure, employment, heritage, community facilities, green spaces and many other issues that will affect Havering over the coming decades."
The Council is undertaking this work amidst significant national and regional planning policy changes. Earlier this year, the Greater London Authority consulted on a new London Plan, proposing increased housing delivery targets across the capital. Havering formally objected to proposals that would have substantially increased its housing target and potentially required the release of Green Belt land.
The new Local Plan will establish the framework for development in Havering, including the location of homes, employment spaces, infrastructure, and community facilities, ensuring growth supports the borough's ambitions and character. It will also be informed by ongoing collaboration with key partners such as the NHS, education providers, and transport bodies.
Councillor Brown added that while preparing a Local Plan is a requirement, the consultation is crucial for influencing how future growth is planned, where infrastructure investment is needed, and how development can best support communities. The plan cannot override national policy or strategic requirements set by the Government and the London Plan.
The January consultation will focus on two key questions: what the new Local Plan should include, and how Havering should engage with stakeholders throughout the process. A draft Local Plan will be developed over the next two years, with further public engagement opportunities before its final submission and adoption.
