Planning Application: P0999.26 – Ivy Lodge Farm, Shepherds Hill, Harold Wood Proposal: Outline application for up to 79 residential units

The Harold Wood Councillors, have written to the council to register a formal objection to planning application P0999.26 relating to Ivy Lodge Farm, Shepherds Hill. After reviewing the proposal and relevant planning policy, we believe the development should be refused for the following reasons.

1. Inappropriate Development in the Green Belt (NPPF 137–151)

The site lies wholly within the Metropolitan Green Belt, where new residential development is considered inappropriate unless Very Special Circumstances (VSCs) are demonstrated. The applicant has not provided any credible VSCs.

The proposal for up to 79 dwellings represents a substantial intensification of built form, domestic activity, lighting, and vehicle movements. This would cause significant harm to the openness of the Green Belt and undermine its purpose of preventing urban sprawl between Harold Wood and Noak Hill.

The development conflicts with:

• NPPF paras 137–151

• London Plan Policy G2

• Havering Local Plan Policies CP14 and DC45

2. Harm to Openness, Rural Character and Landscape

The site currently contributes to the rural character of Shepherds Hill. The introduction of largescale residential development, internal roads, parking courts, and associated infrastructure would urbanise the area and erode its countryside setting.

The cumulative impact would materially harm:

• Visual openness

• Landscape character

• The rural transition between Harold Wood and the wider countryside

This conflicts with Local Plan Policy DC61 (quality of design and character).

3. Insufficient Transport, Access and Highway Safety Provision

Shepherds Hill is a narrow, semirural road not designed to accommodate the traffic generated by 79 dwellings. The proposal could result in 300–400 additional daily vehicle movements, increasing congestion and posing safety risks.

Concerns include:

• Lack of pedestrian infrastructure

• Limited public transport accessibility

• Increased car dependency

• No detailed Transport Assessment at outline stage

This conflicts with Local Plan Policy DC32 (road network and safety).

4. Ecology, Biodiversity and Environmental Impact

The site contains farmland, hedgerows, mature trees and wildlife corridors linking Harold Wood Park and surrounding countryside. The proposal risks:

• Loss of habitats

• Disturbance to protected species (bats, badgers, birds)

• Fragmentation of ecological networks

No comprehensive ecological surveys have been provided at outline stage, meaning the Council cannot conclude that biodiversity will be protected or enhanced.

5. Infrastructure Capacity and Service Pressure

Local infrastructure is already under strain:

• Schools in Harold Wood and Gidea Park are oversubscribed

• GP surgeries have long waiting times

• Drainage and utilities in rural areas are limited

The application provides no clear Section 106 strategy or mitigation plan.

6. Precedent for Further Green Belt Loss

Approval would set a harmful precedent, encouraging speculative development along Shepherds Hill and weakening the long established Green Belt boundary. This would undermine the strategic function of the Green Belt in Havering.

7. Outline Application Lacks Critical Detail

With all matters reserved, the Council is being asked to approve a development without:

• Layout

• Heights

• Design