Leading figures in Havering have set out big aspirations by vowing to build 30,000 new homes and bring 18,000 new jobs to the borough by 2035.

The council’s vision labelled ‘Havering – making a Greater London’ is a plan to bring the borough more into the inner workings of London.

It’s based on four key areas focusing on communities, places, opportunities, and connections.

The council hope to take advantage of improved transport connections with the Crossrail line expected to fully open in 2019.

Romford, Gidea Park and Harold Wood stations will benefit from £4.1 million improvement works.

Leader of the council Cllr Roger Ramsey said: “Havering is one of London’s big opportunity areas, with fantastic communities, places, opportunities and connections and these are the four themes that the vision is focused on.”

With the hope of attracting people to Havering, the council aim to build 30,000 “high-quality” homes.

Housing zone projects in Romford and Rainham have already been given the green light with plans for 3,300 and 3,500 homes respetively.

Chief executive of Havering Council Andrew Blake-Herbert said: “It’s about embracing the best of what Havering has to offer and how we as a borough can play an active role in the success of the whole of London.”

The vision has also received support from the Mayor of London’s office with the borough said to present a “unique offer” for Londoners.

Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills Jules Pipe said: “With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit.

“By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.”