Once, this green space was threatened. Today Fairlop Waters Country Park stands as a testament to what residents and councillors can achieve. They stood up against developers to protect the Green Belt.
Fairlop Plain was part of Hainault Forest until 1851. After that, it became farmland. During both World Wars, parts of the Plain served as Fairlop Airfield. In the late 1940s and 1950s motorcyclists enjoyed the derelict land. Powered model aircraft enthusiasts did too.
Later, the London County Council owned this Crown land. Ilford and Redbridge Councils followed. They financially benefited from sand and gravel extraction from the 1950s. This extraction continues today.
The golf courses were built over the first excavated area. It had been filled with household refuse. Later, the sailing lake was developed. A meeting hall and bar were added.
In the 1980s, Redbridge Council granted a developer a 125-year lease. A lawyer could easily exploit loopholes in it.
In the late 1990s, the developer wanted to build the London City All-weather Racecourse. This sparked a ten-year battle. Residents and councillors fought to preserve Fairlop Plain’s openness.
Two residents’ groups led the charge. They were Barkingside 21 and the Aldborough Hatch Defence Association. They wanted to keep Fairlop Waters a green open space. Speakers at the Public Inquiry opposed the racecourse. It was just a dirt track with a stand and restaurant. It was nothing like Ascot or Newmarket.
Public meetings showed strong opposition to the racecourse. Only a small minority were in favor. Some thought their businesses might benefit financially.
The Planning Inspector allowed the developer’s appeal. But in 2002, the Deputy Prime Minister overturned the decision. Threats of legal challenges followed. A revised planning application was submitted. But in 2005, the developer went into administration.
The future of Fairlop Waters was uncertain. Finally, in 2006, Redbridge Council bought back the lease. The Council Leader said the site would be back in their control. The racecourse was never popular. It was opposed by the Council. It was not in Redbridge’s interests. They stopped the plan. They would improve the site for the community.
Since then, Redbridge Council has worked to fulfill that dream. They have had support from local residents. They also had backing from the National Lottery and the Mayor of London.
New footpaths were created. Trees were planted. New boulder and natural play areas were installed. Fairlop Waters is now a haven of nature. Everyone enjoys it.
Today, Fairlop Waters offers many activities. You can try sailing and canoeing. The Outdoor Activity Centre provides tuition. They also offer various outdoor pursuits. You can hire equipment and get safety instruction.
The Fairlop Rowing Club trains three times a week. They welcome new members with rowing experience. New rowers can complete a Learn to Row course.
Owls Play Centre is an indoor play area. It offers fun for children up to 12. The play centre has dedicated play zones for babies, toddlers, and juniors. It is available for parties.
Other activities include angling and bike rides. There is a boulder park and a floodlit driving range. You can find a golf course with 9 and 18 holes. Golf coaching is also available. You can even hire the park for large or small events.
Fairlop Waters Country Park is a gem. It is a place for recreation and relaxation. Remember the battle to save it as you explore. Enjoy the beauty and activities it offers today.