An area of land in east London that has been persistently burning has been officially classified as contaminated after a judicial review.
The environmental advocacy group Clean Air in Havering legally contested the local council’s decision to refrain from designating Arnolds Field on Launders Lane in Rainham as contaminated.
Over the last three years, fire services have been dispatched to the site of the former illegal landfill 160 times, giving rise to its nickname, the Rainham Volcano, due to its ongoing subterranean fires.
Havering Council stated that following the High Court’s examination, updated guidance regarding the health effects of smoke led to the new classification under the Environmental Protection Act.
Council leader Ray Morgon expressed, “Residents have endured the repercussions of the fires originating from Launders Lane for far too long. By officially recognizing this area as contaminated, we send a strong message: we will not be passive while our residents’ health and well-being are jeopardized.”
The council discovered that the ongoing fires were releasing hazardous particles, correlating smoke exposure with an uptick in doctor visits among individuals with existing respiratory issues. It also pointed out that “the persistent stress related to uncontrollable factors like fire and smoke can lead to adverse psychological and physical responses.”
The council announced its intention to collaborate with landowners and other responsible parties to develop both short-term and long-term plans for remediation to extinguish the fires and mitigate health risks promptly.
“If an agreement cannot be reached, the council will issue a remediation notice mandating necessary cleanup actions,” they stated.
Soil tests conducted in November 2023 revealed the presence of asbestos, plastic waste, snack wrappers, bricks, cans, polystyrene, and asphalt on the land.
Over its 20-year history, the site has also been utilized as an illegal weapons depot and a cannabis cultivation area.
Clean Air, started by three mothers, previously described its legal action as a “last resort” for local residents who have tirelessly fought for decades without success.
As the land had not been officially recognized as contaminated and remained in private ownership, the council was not obligated to undertake any cleanup. With its new legal designation as contaminated, however, Havering Council and the Environment Agency are now mandated to ensure it is remediated.
Morgon assured the community that they would be kept updated and engaged during the remediation process, with dedicated communication channels—such as an email newsletter, a WhatsApp group, and public meetings—available for reporting concerns and receiving updates.
He remarked that this decision signifies “a pivotal moment” for the community surrounding Launders Lane and the broader Rainham area.
