Interesting Timing
Just as ground investigation works began on the proposed development site Southern Water placed some new signage along the Royal Military Canal asking to the public to be “Pollution Spotters” and alert them of any “discolouration, odours or debris” and “dead fish or wildlife in distress”.
This former landfill site conceals hazardous waste and F&HDC has warned residents that they might notice unpleasant odours as the work continues.
It’s also worth remembering that while the Environment Agency has withdrawn its objection to the Planning Application, describing the surface water drainage scheme as “just about viable”, it is clearly concerned about drainage into the canal. Also concerned is Historic England which hasn’t withdrawn its objection to the development and surface water drainage into the canal – a Scheduled Monument – is a key issue.