Member News
MPs have backed a temporary law to allow police to set up a base in Epping Forest during the 2012 Olympics despite local objection to the plans.
The Metropolitan Police will use Wanstead Flats, in Epping Forest in north east London into a "muster, briefing and deployment centre" for the Games when held in nearby Stratford.
Under the 1878 Epping Forest Act, building on the site is prohibited.
Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone told MPs police were preparing for the "largest peacetime security operation this country has ever seen".
But some residents and users of the space are concerned by the plans.
The minister said the government accepted there "will obviously be some disruption and some inconvenience to local people".
"However we are satisfied that this is the best solution to a specific problem serving the wider public interest."
The force has promised to pay £170,000 in lieu of rent and make good the site after dismantling the temporary base.
Labour's John Cryer, Leyton and Wanstead MP, spoke out against the order due to "very, very deep concerns" from his constituents.
He said: "Wanstead Flats is a very much cherished local amenity and has been since 1878 and the decision to build a police muster centre for the 2012 Olympics on a piece of precious common land is simply wrong and shouldn't have been seen through in the first place."
But Eleanor Laing (Con, Epping Forest) supported the order because it was for a temporary period only.
She added: "If it was a general order which allowed the forest to be used in any way in perpetuity I would join with Mr Cryer in expressing very deep concern."
Laing noted that the site constitutes just 2 per cent of Wanstead Flats and is already used for "circuses, fireworks and other forms of enjoyment".
"It is therefore geographically suitable for the purpose for which it is to be used during those 90 days," she added.
The motion was passed by MPs without a vote.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.