A victory for Rainham residents: Havering Council declares Launders Lane contaminated

After years of living with toxic smoke and uncertainty, Rainham residents have finally seen progress. Havering Council, in East London, has now declared Launders Lane, also known as Arnold’s Field, as contaminated land under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The decision follows a High Court ruling on 17 June 2025, which forced the council to reconsider its refusal to act.

This declaration marks a turning point for the community. It means the council can now work with the landowners on clean-up plans and take enforcement action if they fail to act. The move aims to stop the underground fires that have blighted the area for years and to address the health risks caused by the ongoing pollution.

Law for Change is proud to have supported Clear the Air in Havering, a group of local residents, in their successful judicial review. The High Court found that Havering Council had acted unlawfully by failing to properly assess the health risks from the fires. Crucially, the judgment confirmed that councils must treat airborne pollution as contamination under Part 2A, setting an important precedent that strengthens protections for communities across the country.

Emily Nicholson, the Mishcon de Reya lawyer who represented Clear the Air, said:

“We hope that the judgment will lead to some definitive action being taken on the site, especially as fires continue to erupt due to the high temperatures we have already seen this summer. This judgment clarifies that the smoke from the fires is a potential contaminant pathway that needs to be assessed by Havering Council. The Council must now properly monitor the effects of the fire, and my client looks forward to hearing how this will be implemented going forward to address the health impacts effectively.”

At a council meeting this week, Havering Council confirmed it will now engage with the landowners and other responsible parties to develop both short-term and long-term remediation plans. If cooperation cannot be reached, the council will issue remediation notices compelling action. Interim technical surveys and assessments will also begin to help deliver a swift resolution.

Residents continue to report thick, acrid smoke affecting their health and quality of life. Many are forced to keep windows closed and avoid outdoor spaces during smoke events. The council’s mitigation efforts have already cost local taxpayers nearly £1 million, with further remediation expected to require millions more. Environmental consultants warn that the fires release harmful toxins, posing long-term health risks.

Ruth Kettle-Frisby from Clear the Air said:

“Despite the progress, there remains little in the way of a detailed strategy or sufficient support from the council. Rainham residents have already experienced another summer of hell, with smoke invading schools and homes. Daily health warnings continue as the fires persist. Our priority remains the children of Rainham, and we will keep holding the council accountable to protect our community.”

The council acknowledges the difficulties posed by a private landowner and the technical complexity of potential solutions. Officials have reiterated their commitment to urgent remediation and promised to keep residents informed through newsletters and public meetings.

Law for Change’s involvement ensured that Clear the Air had expert legal representation and protection from adverse legal costs. This case demonstrates how community-led activism, supported by strategic legal action, can hold public bodies to account.

The fight for a safe and healthy environment in Rainham continues, highlighting the importance of holding public authorities accountable to protect communities from environmental harm.