Time for urgent action over illegal waste sites

The London Assembly has called for urgent action on dealing with illegal waste sites and for a permanent clean-up of Arnold’s Field and Launders Lane sites in particular.

The Assembly notes the long-standing impact of the site on Rainham residents and is urging the Government to provide funding for its remediation.

Andrew Boff AM who proposed the original motion, said:

"Residents in Havering have been subjected to years of health concerns and toxic chemicals as a result of the failure to deal with Launders Lane.

“I am pleased that the Assembly has supported my motion, and I hope the Government will now listen and add the site to its programme of Government-funded clean-ups.

Local residents should not be expected to foot the bill for clearing up this mess. That we are still in this position after so many years of inaction is a scandal."

Keith Prince AM who proposed an amendment to the motion, said:

“Residents in Rainham have suffered from Launders Lane for far too long, so I am pleased the Assembly backed my amendment.

“Havering Council is already taking action, and this vote makes clear that we must be at the table when the future of the site is discussed. This is about working together and finally securing the permanent solution residents deserve.”

The full text of the motion is:

“This Assembly notes the recent work by Havering Council and its Leader, Cllr Keith Prince AM. Including the recent letter to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where DEFRA were urged to review its current position and actively consider Arnold’s Field, Launders Lane, for Government-funded clearance or remediation under the Waste Crime Action Plan or another suitable route.

This Assembly further notes that the Leader of the Council has asked officers to explore a potential legal challenge to the Government’s decision to exclude Arnold’s Field from the latest list of sites for remediation.

The Assembly also recognises the work of the local Member of Parliament in securing meetings with senior Government ministers.

“The Assembly calls on the Mayor to:

Write urgently to the Secretary of State responsible for waste and the Environment Agency requesting that Arnold’s Field, Launders Lane, be added to the Government’s programme for clearing serious illegal waste sites, or be provided with an equivalent Government-funded remediation package.

Publish any representations made by the Mayor, the GLA or its functional bodies to Government concerning the inclusion of Launders Lane in the Government’s 2026 illegal-waste clean-up programme.

Convene an urgent meeting involving the Government, London Fire Brigade, the local Member of Parliament and Havering Council officers and Leader to agree a funded timetable for the permanent remediation of the site.

Ask the Government to publish the assessment made of Launders Lane against the criteria used to determine which illegal waste sites receive national clean-up funding and explain why it has so far been excluded.

Report back to the London Assembly on the outcome of these representations and on the steps necessary to secure the permanent remediation of Arnold’s Field.

The Assembly also calls on His Majesty’s Government to recognise the exceptional and long-standing impact of Launders Lane on Rainham residents and to provide the resources necessary for its permanent clean-up and remediation and ensure that any costs properly recoverable from the responsible landowner are recovered.”

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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