'Rainham Volcano' officially declared contaminated

Ongoing fires in Rainham have affected people's physical and mental health

A perennially burning area of land in east London has been officially declared contaminated following a judicial review.

Campaign group Clean Air in Havering had legally challenged the council over its decision not to label Arnolds Field in Launders Lane, Rainham, as contaminated.

The fire brigade has been called to the former illegal landfill site 160 times within the past three years and it has become known as the Rainham Volcano for its constantly smouldering underground blazes.

Havering Council said, following the High Court review, new guidance about the impact of smoke led to the revised designation under the Environmental Protection Act.

Council leader Ray Morgon said: "For too long, residents have suffered the consequences of fires from Launders Lane.

"By formally identifying the site as contaminated land, we are sending a clear message: we will not stand by while our residents' health and quality of life are put at risk."

Havering Council found the fires released harmful particulates, with evidence linking smoke exposure to increased GP visits for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

It also acknowledged "repeated and persistent stress, regarding an issue that is out of one's control for example, fire and resulting smoke, is also recognised to result in negative psychological and physical reactions".

The council said it would "seek to work with the landowners (and any other liable parties) to agree a short term and longer-term remediation plan to stop the fires (and the negative impact on people's health) as soon as possible".

"If agreement cannot be reached, the council will serve a remediation notice requiring remediation action," it said.

Ruth Kettle-Frisby, from campaign group Clean Air, previously said the legal bid was a "last resort" for locals who had fought "for decades, to no avail"

Soil analysis in November 2023 found the land contained asbestos, plastic bags, crisp packets, bricks, cans, polystyrene and asphalt.

In its 20-year history, the land was also used as an illegal weapons store and a cannabis farm.

Clean Air, which was founded by three mothers, previously said its legal bid was a "last resort" for locals who had fought "for decades, to no avail".

Because the land had not been formally declared as contaminated and is privately owned, the council had no obligation to clear it.

But now it has been legally designated as contaminated, Havering Council and the Environment Agency have specific legal duties to make sure it is cleaned up.

Morgon said residents would be kept informed and involved throughout the remediation process, with dedicated channels - an email newsletter, WhatsApp channel, and public meetings - for reporting concerns and receiving updates.

He added the decision marked "a turning point" for the community living near Launders Lane and across Rainham.