St Paul's Field
St Paul’s Field is in the north of the park and is part of the Nazeing complex of lagoons, path networks and open parkland. As with much of the Park it is ex landfill and has a chequered history including some contamination. Part of the site has been sold and the proceeds will be used to develop new public access linking Meadgate Lane with Dobbs Weir road and providing a new route to link the Park Path through Nazeing.
History of the site
St Paul’s Field is a landfilled part of the Park which has not been developed or improved for any use up until now. It sits to the East of Nazeing North Lagoon which is the home for Broxbourne Sailing club.
The eastern part of the site has been sold to the local company Lignacite. The Park Authority have retained the western part which borders the lagoon. This strip also facilitate the fishing club and there are a range of fishing platforms used along the eastern boundary of the lagoon.
There is a small fisherman’s car park just off Meadgate road at the south of the proposed path development.
You can see a map of the site here
Proposals
The project proposes to develop a new footpath link from Meadgate Road to Dobbs Weir Road developing a new link to the Park Path and creating more open space for visitors to enjoy.
Develop a landscape plan and proposal including:
-
New path network
-
Interesting features
-
Resting points
-
Fishing platform access
-
Bridges over ditches
-
New landscaping and wildlife improvements
Funding for this project will come from the Authority’s capital fund and the project should be delivered over the winter of 2022/23.
Head of Projects and Funding Delivery Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said:
“We are delighted that we can now fund opening a new part of the Park that will link Meadgate Road with Dobbs Weir Road and the Park Path. We are excited to be working with Lanpro to develop an interesting and relaxing route through this unused piece of land.”
If you would like any further information or would like to comment on this project you can contact the Head of Projects on lvprojects@leevalleypark.org.uk.
Project updates
September 2024
Contractors have now been appointed and we are planning for them to take possession of the site in early October. The project is still on track for delivery this winter.
May 2025
The path around St Paul’s Field is nearly complete. Contractors have done an excellent job over the winter to construct the path and install a bird hide, benches, fences and gates. However there is still one section that needs to be completed – the link along Dobbs Weir Road.
Without this section completed, safety concerns have been raised as people would need to use the road to access the site. With this in mind, we have taken the decision to not open the footpath until the whole project is completed.
We are working with the planning team at Epping Forrest District Council and the Highways department at Hertfordshire County Council ( I think it's Herts) –and hope necessary permissions will be granted swiftly to allow us to complete the works along the road.
While we are disappointed that we are unable to open the path as projected this spring, we feel the safety of users is paramount. We hope to be in a position to open the path in late summer 2025.