Following enquiries from residents living on Harrowgate Farm estate, as to the work that is being carried out in the marsh area. We contacted the council and received the following information.

?The site in question is the subject of a number of permissions dating back to the 1960's for various forms of industrial development including tipping.

More recently about 5 years ago the Owner of the site, approached the council seeking to operate a waste transfer station from the site. It was explained at the time that no permission existed on the site and that planning permission would be required. In addition to this the site would have to be registered for a licence with the Environment Agency. No further development took place as a result of this advice.

Within the last few weeks the council have been approached by a person wishing to implement a planning permission dating back to the late 1960's which related to the levelling of the site to accommodate industrial development.[ A further application would be required to permit any building on the site.] However there is some evidence that a permission to level the site may exist. This person has agreed to supply the council with a plan to enable us to agree the levels throughout the site.

Other related issues at the site involve the protection of wildlife in and adjacent to the local pond and nature reserve. We have contacted the Police [Wildlife protection] unit to make an assessment. They have visited the site and consider that there is no evidence to substantiate that there has been any damage to wildlife or any other protected species that would result in a criminal offence.

Finally the developer is maintaining that he is operating under an Environment Agency exemption licence to undertake the work. They are currently investigating this issue.

As you will appreciate the matter is rather complex. I am satisfied however that in planning terms the matter does not at this stage justify any enforcement action, although we are monitoring the situation. I am in contact with the Environment Agency with regard to their position in terms of their enforcement position regarding the Environment Agency licence?