Fire
Spot the Difference

  Case Study

 

according to a report submitted by an  expert consultant:

2.4 The cut vegetation will initially be stacked on site in areas agreed by the
ecoiogists. It will not be burned within the site, to avoid the risk of reptiles
finding the piles and using them as refugia before the vegetation is burned.

2.5   In the final stage of the destructive reptile search, tree stumps; concrete waste
and other debris on site is to be removed. These are features that could provide
refugia for reptiles. The ecologists will search these features before the
contractors remove them using machinery. Two ecologists will be present
during this operation.


The reality:

  On the morning of October 23rd. with the wind blowing from the north, the Farm Road Flats are inundated with clouds of blue smoke from a bonfire of felled trees, near to the Mill Stream.

  I immediately visit the Civic Centre, Twickenham, to complain to the offices of the Environmental Health Department.

  Later the same day I repeat the same complaint directly to Clive Chapman, the architect applicant.

  During this period there is no sign of anybody on the site except for workers obviously involved directly with the clearance work.