What is Havering Council's plan for Arnolds Field fires?

Havering Council plans to spray parts of Arnolds Field with a cement-like polymer solution to reduce oxygen and fires, costing up to £300,000.

Why is the landowner unhappy with the council's plan?

The landowner believes the temporary polymer seal will not stop deep-seated fires and could delay necessary ecological surveys, calling it a 'vanity project'.

Has the landowner offered an alternative solution for Arnolds Field?

Yes, the landowner offered to fund remediation by developing part of the site, providing machinery and staff at cost price, but claims the council showed no interest.

Home / Environment / Rainham Volcano Fires: Council's Fix Under Fire

Rainham Volcano Fires: Council's Fix Under Fire

11 Feb

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Summary

Former landfill site has caught fire over 100 times since 2019.
Council's £300,000 polymer seal solution faces landowner criticism.
Owner offered to fund remediation but claims council refused.

Rainham Volcano Fires: Council's Fix Under Fire

Arnolds Field, a site in east London known as the Rainham Volcano, has been plagued by fires over 100 times since 2019. The current landowner, Jerry O'Donovan, purchased the site in 2017 in good faith, unaware of its long-standing issues. O'Donovan has been attempting for seven years to fund a full remediation by developing a portion of the land, but claims Havering Council showed "no appetite" for his proposals.

The council recently proposed a temporary measure, spending up to £300,000 to spray parts of the site with a polymer solution to starve potential fires of oxygen. O'Donovan argues this temporary fix is inadequate and could delay essential ecological surveys for his own planning application.

Despite O'Donovan's offer to contribute machinery and staff at cost price for a permanent solution, he alleges the council's current plan is a "vanity project." He believes a permanent remediation, possibly involving removal of combustible material, would be more cost-effective and beneficial for local residents' health.