HWHPRA

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

Darren Wise — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:56:38 +0000

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

This application is totally unacceptable.

We would encourage residents also to write in with their comments on the following link.

https://development.havering.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningDetails?reference=P0999.26&from=planningSearch

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‘Allo ‘Allo comes to The Little Theatre, Harold Wood 4-7 Nov

Darren Wise — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:40:43 +0000

We are excited to kick off the new season celebrating 80 years of the Guildonian Players with the much loved ‘Allo ‘Allo at The Little Theatre, which will be running from 4-7 November at 8pm nightly plus 2.30pm Saturday Matinee.

Based on the TV series and featuring so many of your favourite characters, all is not well at the Café René … they have stashed a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis in a sausage in their cellar, where two British airmen remain in hiding until the Resistance can repatriate them. Communications with London using the wireless that is disguised as a cockatoo add to the confusion … and news that the Führer is scheduled to visit the town brings extra peril – René must summon all the wit he can muster to save his cafe – and his life!

Tickets are £9 from guildonian-players.sumupstore.com

or call 07762 133620 to reserve and pay on door.

NB STROBE LIGHTING WILL BE USED IN THE CINEMA SCENE

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Council consults on Borough-wide PSPO

Darren Wise — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:07:54 +0000

Havering Council is consulting on a proposal to introduce a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to help address certain types of anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

A PSPO is a legal tool that can place restrictions on specific behaviours where they are having a negative impact on local communities. The proposed Order is intended to support a consistent approach across Havering and help make public spaces safer, cleaner and more welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors.

The Council has identified a number of behaviours for consideration as part of this consultation:

Alcohol Consumption in Public Spaces – People must stop drinking alcohol in public places if asked to do so by an authorised officer.

Dog Fouling and Irresponsible Dog Ownership – Dog owners must clean up after their dogs and keep them under control in public places.

Aggressive or Persistent Begging – People must not beg in a way that causes nuisance, intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress to others.

Anti-Social Use of Bicycles, Mopeds, E-Scooters or E-Bikes – People must not use bicycles, mopeds, e-scooters or e-bikes in a dangerous, reckless or anti-social way in public places.

Groups Causing Nuisance or Criminal Behaviour – Groups of two or more people must not gather in a way that causes nuisance, anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.

Face Coverings Used to Hide Identity for Anti-Social Behaviour – People must not wear face coverings to hide their identity while causing, or intending to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to others. This does not apply to face coverings worn for religious, cultural or medical reasons.

Urinating or Defecating in Public Places – People must not urinate or defecate in public places except when using a public toilet or other appropriate facility.

Amplified Street Entertainment, Busking and Public Speaking – People must not use amplified sound in public places where it causes nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others.

Catapults and Projectile Devices – People must not carry or use catapults or other projectile devices in public places where they could cause harm, damage, nuisance, alarm or distress to others.

Feeding Wildlife in Public Spaces – People must not feed wildlife or leave food in public places where it could cause nuisance, environmental damage, public health concerns or attract vermin.

No final decision has been made. The purpose of this consultation is to understand local views before the Council decides whether a borough-wide PSPO should be introduced and, if so, which restrictions should be included.

Why your views matter

Your views are important and will help shape the Council’s final decision.

We want to understand:

Whether you have experienced any of the behaviours included in this consultation.

Whether you think the proposed restrictions would help reduce anti-social behaviour.

Whether you think the proposed restrictions would improve people’s experience of public spaces.

Whether the restrictions should apply across the whole borough or only in specific areas.

Whether you support or oppose the introduction of a borough-wide PSPO.

After the consultation closes, the Council will review all responses alongside other available evidence. If a PSPO is introduced, the final Order will set out the restrictions, any exemptions and how it would be enforced. Breaching a PSPO without a reasonable excuse may be an offence and could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution where appropriate.

Residents, businesses, visitors, community groups and other stakeholders are encouraged to take part and share their views. Click here to the link for the survey – https://consultation.havering.gov.uk/neighbourhoods/proposed-borough-wide-pspo/consultation/subpage.2026-06-30.4735334227/

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New Bus Service Harold Wood to Basildon

Darren Wise — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:11:51 +0000

The B1 bus service operated by First Essex connects Basildon and Harold Wood Station, providing a direct link to the Elizabeth Line. It runs from Basildon Bus Station through Laindon and straight along the A127. [1, 2]

Route and Timetable Details

Route: Basildon Bus Station (Stand H), Great Knightleys, Laindon Station, West Mayne, A127, Hall Lane, Shepherds Hill, Gubbins Lane, to Harold Wood Station.

Frequency: Every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday; every 30 minutes on Sundays and public holidays.

Travel Time: Around 40 to 50 minutes for a full one-way trip.

Operational Hours: Daily service starting from approximately 05:15/06:30 outbounds and running late into the evening. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/sites/default/files/public/maps/B1%2007-26.pdf

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Licence Application – Morris Dancer Public House

Darren Wise — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:22:43 +0000

The council has received notice from Omo Mase Ltd to apply for an alcohol licence at the former Morris Dancer Public House. Residents have until 11 May to write in with any objections to licensing@havering.gov.uk

Further details can be found here on what you need to provide if you object to the issuance of the licence.

https://www.havering.gov.uk/business-havering/licences-street-trading/3

In order to make a representation. The council will need:

your name and address
the name and address of the premises about which you are making representation
the licensing objective(s) that you think will not be met if the application is granted
the reason(s) for your view and any evidence in support
your telephone number so our licensing officers can discuss the matter with you if necessary

We have also obtained a copy of the application and have attached it here for your information.

Omo Mase Application summary

Please do let us know whether you are for or against this application so that when it comes to the licensing committee we can make representations to the committee members.

Please email us or copy us in at the following email addresses when emailing licensing:

councillorbrian.eagling@havering.gov.uk

councillormartin.goode@havering.gov.uk

councillordarren.wise@havering.gov.uk

We have also written in with our concerns about this application.

Cllrs Brian Eagling, Martin Goode, Darren Wise

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The Canterbury Tales’

Darren Wise — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:32:28 +0000

The Canterbury Tales’ at The Little Theatre, Harold Wood – Geoffrey Chaucer’s creation about storytelling pilgrims

‘The Canterbury Tales’ is a collection of stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer. We are bringing you a new adaptation – in modern English – by Nick Warburton. Our Canterbury Tales, directed by Lucy Green, will feature The Knight’s Tale, The Miller’s Tale, The Wife of Bath’s Tale, The Pardoner’s Tale, The Friar’s Tale and The Franklin’s Tale. It will certainly be a lot of fun!

Performances are 8pm nightly on 17-20 June plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Tickets just £9 from guildonian-players.sumupstore.com or call 07762 133620 to reserve and pay on door.

This production is entered in the Havering Drama Festival of full length plays, run by Havering Arts Council, which Guildonians have won for the past two years with ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ and ‘Leading Ladies’ – will it be a hat trick?!

If you fancy a jolly good laugh, come to The Little Theatre! (RM3 0DU)

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Councillor Role Activities

Darren Wise — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:30:51 +0000

What Elected Councillors Can And Can’t Do

Havering’s 55 elected councillors set the overall direction — rules, priorities, and spending — but they don’t run services day to day. That work is carried out by council officers

Here’s a what councillors in the London Borough of Havering are responsible for.

What our councillors do:

1. Represent you and your area

Councillors are elected to speak on behalf of residents in their ward (local area).

They:

Listen to your concerns and raise them with the council

Attend meetings with residents and community groups

Speak up for local needs when decisions are being made

2. Help solve local problems (“casework”)

This is one of their most visible roles. They can:

Chase missed bin collections, fly-tipping, or street cleaning

Push for repairs to council housing or report private housing concerns

Raise issues like potholes, broken streetlights, or unsafe areas

Help with complaints about council services

They don’t fix things themselves—but they can push officers to act and keep you updated.

3. Set Council Tax and the overall budget

Councillors decide:

How much Council Tax residents pay each year

How the council’s budget is divided between services

For example, they may debate whether more funding should go to:

Social care

Libraries

Parks and green spaces

Youth services

4. Decide policies and local rules

Councillors agree the policies that guide how the council operates, such as:

Housing policies

Parking rules and permits

Waste and recycling policies

Environmental and climate strategies

These policies shape how services are delivered across Havering.

5. Make planning and licensing decisions

Councillors sit on committees that decide:

Planning applications: e.g. new housing developments, extensions, or major building projects

Licensing: e.g. pub and bar opening hours, taxis, and other licensed activities

They must follow planning law and consider evidence — not personal preference.

6. Scrutinise and hold the council to account

Councillors check that the council is doing its job properly. They:

Question decisions made by senior councillors or officers

Review how services are performing

Investigate problems and suggest improvements

This is often done through overview and scrutiny committees.

7. Appoint leadership and key roles

Councillors:

Elect the Council Leader (who leads the council’s political direction)

Appoint committees and positions of responsibility

Help shape the council’s leadership structure

8. Work with partners and outside organisations

They often work with:

Local charities and community groups

Health services (like the NHS locally)

Police and safety partnerships

Even though they don’t control these organisations, they can raise issues and push for action.

9. Support community projects and funding

Councillors may:

Help local groups apply for grants

Support community initiatives and events

Promote improvements in their ward

Some councils also give councillors small local budgets to support projects.

10. Act in a regulatory and standards role

Councillors help ensure fairness and proper conduct by:

Sitting on standards committees (handling complaints about councillors)

Following a code of conduct (rules about behaviour and conflicts of interest)

Making decisions in a fair, legal, and transparent way

What councillors cannot do

They have important limits:

1. They don’t manage staff or operations:

They cannot instruct bin crews, assign individual jobs, or fire employees.

2. They don’t control police or most transport:

These are overseen by the Mayor of London and bodies like Transport for London.

3. They must follow the law:

They cannot ignore national legislation or cut legally required services like adult social care.

4. They are not all-powerful individually:

Most decisions are made collectively through committees or full council meetings.

5. The Havering Mayor is ceremonial:

The Mayor mainly represents the borough at events.

6. Real decision-making power lies with councillors and the Council Leader.

Who should you contact?

Your councillor:

For local issues like housing, bins, roads, or antisocial behaviour

Your MP:

For national matters like benefits, immigration, or tax (e.g. HM Revenue and Customs)

Transport bodies:

For buses, trains, and major roads, contact Transport for London

In simple terms

Councillors represent you, set the rules, decide spending, and hold the council to account.

Council staff carry out the work and deliver services. Understanding this split makes it much easier to know who can actually help — and how decisions affecting your area are made.

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Supporting the Army Benevolent Fund for our Veterans and their Familie

Darren Wise — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:54:40 +0000

My name is Vanessa Zopp, and I am writing as a long‑standing local resident and small business owner to ask, very respectfully, for your support with a charitable challenge for our veterans and families. On 6 – 7 June 2026, I am taking on the Cateran Yomp, run by the Army Benevolent Fund, which is described as one of the toughest charity endurance events in the UK. It is in the Scottish wilderness around Blairgowrie and challenges participants to walk 54 miles in 24 hours – so basically walking a double marathon half in the day and half in the night- my secret challenge as a solo ultra-hiker is to make it! A silent army of veterans and their families struggle every day with dignified grit: the purpose of my fundraising is to raise awareness and help make the transition into civilian life less brutal and more stable—for those who went away, those who waited, and those who will meet and love them as friends, partners, lovers, children, brothers and sisters, colleagues, students, etc. Every step taken raises vital funds to ensure the Army Benevolent Fund can continue to support soldiers, veterans and their families – for life.

You can read more about my fundraising and motivation here:
https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/fundraisers/vanessazopp/cateranyomp2026

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Harold Wood Library Update

Darren Wise — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:20:52 +0000

There was a wonderful turnout of support at the recent meeting to hear the latest update on the progress to re open the library. The Harold Wood Foundation is currently negotiating a realistic rental agreement for a seven year lease with council officers. A formal request has also been submitted to the Planning Department to have the Library included on the local Heritage list which would give long term protection against any future development or demolition. Thank you to all our community for your support as we continue to move forward.

Rachel Grimwood

Details of the presentation and a template letter to encourage residents to write into the Council Planning Department to get the library on the local Heritage List can be found below

HWF Presentation (2) (2)

The Three Key Areas to Include in the Letter

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Havering Dementia Carers Support Group (HDCSG)

Darren Wise — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:39:19 +0000

For over 10 years, Havering Dementia Carers Support Group (HDCSG) has been a lifeline for local people living with dementia and the carers who support them every day.

What We Do

HDCSG provides a safe, welcoming and supportive space where:

People living with dementia can take part in stimulating games and activities designed to support memory, communication and wellbeing.

Carers can connect with others who understand their journey, reducing isolation and emotional strain.

Both carers and those they care for can enjoy outings and social events that bring joy, dignity and normality to everyday life.

Why We Need Your Support

We rely on donations to continue running our group. Your contribution will help us to:

Pay for our meeting hall so we can continue offering a regular, safe space.

Fund activities, games and resources that stimulate and engage those living with dementia.

Organise trips and social events that provide meaningful experiences and precious moments of happiness.

Ease the burden on carers by giving them support, companionship and respite.

The Impact of Your Donation

By donating, you are:

Helping reduce loneliness and isolation.

Supporting carers who give so much of themselves every single day.

Improving quality of life for people living with dementia in our community.

Ensuring this vital local service can continue for years to come.

Every donation — large or small — makes a real difference.

Together, we can continue to provide comfort, connection and care to families facing dementia.

If you are able to support HDCSG, please consider making a donation today by scanning the QR Code below:

Warm wishes, Havering Dementia Carers Support Group (HDCSG)

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