Havering Council unveils ‘Havering Plan 2040’ with super-suburb vision

Havering Council’s leader, Councillor Keith Prince AM, launched the Havering Plan 2040 at a cabinet meeting on 16 September 2026.

The strategy, branded as “Creating London’s Super Suburb”, sets out an ambition for the borough to become the premier place in the capital for residents to live, learn and earn, and for businesses to invest, grow and thrive.

Key values and ambitions

The plan rests on five core values. “Havering First” places homes, jobs, schools, businesses and taxpayer value at the centre of every decision. “The Havering Way” is a planning philosophy that seeks growth that enhances, rather than erodes, the borough’s suburban character, heritage and environment, and requires new developments to embed these principles. “Build Havering” focuses on place-led transformation that helps communities flourish. “Grow Havering” aims to create economic powerhouse zones to attract investment and generate opportunities. “Improve Havering” targets better public services, healthier communities, safer neighbourhoods and greater opportunity for all residents.

In a statement, Prince described the plan as both aspirational and ambitious, noting that it builds on the council’s first 100 days of work while confronting financial challenges. He highlighted the need for more homes, jobs and education provision, alongside improved infrastructure. The leader also pledged continued progress in adult and children’s social care, enhanced customer service, a cleaner and safer borough, and the maintenance and improvement of green spaces and heritage sites.

A structural change outlined in the plan is the conversion of Mercury Land Holdings into the Havering Growth Company. The new entity will have a broader brief to promote regeneration, attract investment and support growth across the borough, working in tandem with the existing Invest Havering team.

The vision is supported by a suite of programmes. A Financial Recovery programme will address the council’s fiscal position. A reimagined Romford Masterplan, led by the Romford Market Renaissance Plan, will guide development in the town centre. A new Beam Park Masterplan will create specialist Economic Growth Zones, while a Rainham Masterplan will set out future growth for that area. Additionally, a new Havering Local Plan will define planning parameters for the next 15 years, and a Green Havering Programme will deliver tangible environmental improvements for residents.

Further components of the long-term strategy include a new Health Plan and a Safer Streets Plan, both intended to raise wellbeing and safety standards across the borough. The overall timetable extends to 2040, reflecting the council’s commitment to delivering the outlined changes over the coming decades.