When Harold Hill was first developed in the 1950s, the town planners put a big emphasis on the provision of open green spaces. They were considered by many Harold Hill residents to be the ‘lungs’ of the estate, and local people were assured by the powers-that-be that they would never be built on. Although there has been a lot of new housebuilding in the area over the years, they have largely kept their word about not destroying the green spaces. Until now, that is! Havering Council announced plans earlier this year to build 64 houses on Gooshays Green in Gooshays Gardens.
Although we cannot deny that there is an urgent need for new housing, the proposed development on Gooshays Green appears to be poorly thought-out. As well as the fact it will deprive locals of a much-cherished green space, the development itself seems to be extremely cramped and out of keeping with the surrounding area.
As you can no doubt understand, there has been quite some consternation about these plans. Local residents have got together to form the ‘Save Gooshays Village Green Group’. They have a Facebook group which can be found here. There will also be a protest outside the Town Hall under the banner of ‘Save Our Greens’ – in which opponents of the Gooshays Green plans will stand alongside those protesting against plans to build on Dovers Farm in Rainham and the Pitch and Putt site in Upminster. It will take place on Wednesday 25th September at 6:45pm.
HAVERING SPECIAL 