A LONG-RUNNING battle to prevent a temporary police base being built on Wanstead Flats for the Olympics has failed.

A High Court judge last month refused campaigners’ bid for a judicial review into the plan.

But Michael Pelling appealed against this decision on behalf of the Save Wanstead Flats campaign at the Royal Courts of Justice.

This was turned down on Monday (December 5). Earlier this year MPs voted to amend a 130-year-old act protectecting Epping Forest land, which incorporates Wanstead Flats.

Campaigners feared it would set a precedent and pave the way for further development in the area.

Newham and Waltham Forest councils objected to the base and more than 1,800 signed a petition opposing the proposal.

Kevin Blowe, 42, of the Save Wanstead Flats campaign, described the ruling by Justice Dobbs this week as “terrible”.

He said: “That judgment significantly increases the risk that parts of Wanstead Flats may be temporarily enclosed again and again in the future, whenever it is deemed convenient or necessary.

“The decision clears the way for another half-hearted 'consultation' and the use of the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act to once again sweep away the legal protections afforded to the flats.

“The decision was taken, with little apparent consideration of the objections, and the damage has been done.

“After next year, Wanstead Flats effectively becomes a useful security zone whenever another major sporting event - held in the next borough at a staggeringly expensive arena that needs to recoup its costs and justify its existence - makes policing considerations a necessity.”

An order detailing reasons for the court decision is due to be released today (December 8).