Full Breakdown
Dispute Over Temporary Fire Mitigation at Rainham Landfill Site
3/27/2026, 11:49:31 AM
Ongoing Fire Issues at Arnolds Field
The Arnolds Field site in Launders Lane, Rainham, east London, has been plagued by recurrent fires, prompting Havering Council to seek a temporary solution. The council proposed to cover hotspots with a cement polymer covering (CPC) to mitigate the fire risks before the summer. However, the landowner, Jerry O'Donovan of DMC Services (Essex), has refused to grant permission for this intervention, citing the need for planning permission and further environmental assessments.
Landowner's Position and Council's Response
O'Donovan has expressed willingness to collaborate with Havering Council but insists that the council must provide a clear legal basis for the proposed works. He has stated that he has attempted for seven years to fund a cleanup by developing part of the site, but claims the council has shown "no appetite" for his plans. In a statement, O'Donovan emphasized that he was not responsible for the waste dumping at the site and criticized the council for not inviting him to a key meeting in January where the CPC action was agreed upon.
Havering Council, represented by Deputy Leader Gillian Ford, expressed disappointment over O'Donovan's refusal, stating that legal action against him may be the only viable course to address the ongoing crisis. Ford asserted that the council's proposed solution was practical and aimed at protecting local residents from the dangers posed by the fires.
Criticism of the Landowner's Actions
Ford characterized O'Donovan's refusal as a disregard for the health and wellbeing of the Rainham community, suggesting that his actions are motivated by personal interests rather than public safety. She stated, “We put forward a practical, temporary solution... and despite this, he's continued to drag his feet at every step of the way.”
In contrast, O'Donovan has criticized the council's approach, claiming that a permanent fix would be more efficient and cost-effective for taxpayers if the council cooperated with him to remove the most hazardous materials. He described the council's expenditures as part of a "vanity project," highlighting the £300,000 they are committing to the temporary solution.
Future Actions and Community Impact
Havering Council plans to seek funding and support from the government and the Greater London Authority to expedite a legal resolution to the situation. The ongoing dispute raises concerns about the health and safety of local residents, as the fires at Arnolds Field continue to pose significant risks.
As the situation develops, the community remains anxious about the potential for further fires and the lack of immediate action to address the hazardous conditions at the site.
