This green and leafy neighbourhood sits just to the north of the infamous Gallows Corner in the east London borough of Havering. The suburb includes the areas of Harold Wood, Harold Hill and Noak Hill, all of which contain handy amenities and plenty of open space. This neighbourhood is primarily residential, with many residential streets built on either side of the two main roads, Straight Road and Gooshays Drive. The area has lots of independent shops, a community centre and a pharmacy, as well as local favourite, The Bear, which provides residents with a welcoming evening hangout spot. While convenient transport links are few and far between, the area is still popular with commuting families due to the large post-war houses and close proximity to the A12 and M25.

Gallows Corner earns its name for being the centre of executions in Essex. During the 16th and 17th century many criminals were recorded to have been hanged there. The notorious area sits within the local authority of Havering, which has long been an outer London suburb because of the popular route from Romford into London, developed in the 1700s. It was also once the site of Havering-atte-Bower, an ancient liberty and royal manor that dates back to the 11th century.

In 1247 Henry III granted a Royal Charter which began Romford market. Local Maylands Golf course was designed by Harry Colt, arguably one of the greatest golf course architects of the 20th century.

A flyover in Gallows Corner is not considered the most aesthetically pleasing part of the area by residents, though it does make car travel convenient.

Local residents in Noak Hill protested the proposed transport route that would run by the A176 Noak Hill Road.

Plans to build a new Hornchurch leisure centre have attracted much criticism from local community members and even a Havering Councillor, as it involves the closure of the Chafford Sports Complex, which was adored by local residents until its closure by the Council in 2019. In 2021, the Council approves plans to build the new leisure centre, which will be located on the site of Rainham Recreation Ground, in Viking Way. The facility will include a swimming pool, gym and fitness/dance studios. The plans would see a loss of open space, but that existing play and outdoor gym equipment would be relocated. The scheme is also proposed to include a community orchard and sensory garden.

Havering Council and Wates Residential entered a £1 billion public-private partnership to regenerate 12 council estates. The scheme will see around 5,200 homes delivered in the borough over the next 12 to 15 years. Works have already begun, with a focus on Napier and New Plymouth House, in Rainham. All residents who have been moved off the site to enable the regeneration are guaranteed the right to return, with 126 affordable homes being ready to move in by winter 2022. So far the partnership has benefited 164 local people through employment and skills initiatives, while over 1,500 students have been supported via educational activities and programmes.