Sold by the Metropolitan Police in 2002, Evergreen Field (known as “The Ratfield” by local children), probably the most fought-over green space in Wanstead in recent times, is yet again threatened by building work.
The latest purchaser, Dalco Developments Ltd, plans to build seven houses, two shops and two flats on the site.

The move has been vehemently contested by the Wanstead Society, which was set up fifteen years ago to oppose development by the original purchasers of the field, Furlong Homes.

 

In August a spokesperson for the Society wrote,

 

“Rest assured the Wanstead Society will be watching this case closely – we were successful in our campaign 15 years ago, and we will be poised to fight again, if necessary, to keep this space green.”

 

It seems that the Society is fulfilling its promise. Earlier this month, members submitted to the Conservation Advisory Panel a plan to make Evergreen Field a public space, which is a step towards making it into something useful. However, a member of the panel reported that it was “not clear” what the Society planned to do with the field, and there is truth in this. On their website, the Wanstead Society states that the field would become a “multi-purpose space for community activity”, and has outlined plans for its layout, but remains vague on what the field would actually be used for. Some suggestions on the website include community events such as fairs and shows, or using the space as a sports facility for children.

 

However, desirable as this outcome is, it will be very difficult to reach. Even if the relevant planning permission is obtained, the land will still be owned by Dalco, not by the Wanstead Society or the local council.

 

It is hoped that if the company is unable to obtain planning permission, they will allow the land to be used for the benefit of the community. However, director Dalbir Singh Sanger disagrees adamantly, claiming in an interview with the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian, “If worse comes to worse (sic), we will grow our own vegetables there. There are so many things that we can do there which will be an eyesore to local people.”

 

It seems that if Dalco will not relinquish its hold on Evergreen Field, then the land might stay unused for another fifteen years until some other company buys it. Surely any use of the field would be better than none?

 

Think again. Quite apart from not blending in with the park and Christ Church, this development will create problems that the High Street will not be able to cope with. There are already enormous problems with parking and other infrastructure in Wanstead and Woodford caused by the many new developments of the last few years. The size of the field means that there is not space to provide off-street parking for nine cars, as well as loading space for the shops. This could bring the already congested High Street to breaking point. Creating yet more residents only parking will further impact on local businesses.

 

Then there's the simple answer. Green space is at a premium in London: why not make Evergreen Field part of Christ Church Green and open for public use? Could the land be removed for Dalco's grasp in order to do this?

 

The Conservation Advisory Panel plans to meet again on the 12th December to review the Wanstead Society's plans. But while developers and campaigners argue, Evergreen Field lies empty and unkempt, filling up with rubbish and used only by rats.

 

What do you think should be done? Leave your comments below.