Tempers boil over as contractors lay waste to 'pocket nature reserve' on Humberston Fitties chalet park

 

Laid waste - the green and leafy plot on the chalet park (photo: Facebook) 

A ROW has blown up over weekend despoilation of a 'pocket nature reserve' on the Humberston Fitties chalet park.

Residents have expressed outrage that shrubs and trees have been cleared from Plot 105 - apparently without the consent of North East Lincolnshire Council, nor the park's owners, Tingdene, in advance of installation of a new chalet.

Tingdene have taken the brunt of the flak with Facebook posters queuing up to condemn the company for 'presiding' over what has happened.

The felling of a specimen stone pine tree has caused particular outrage.

"This lovely tree was hacked down by four very aggressive men when challenged about planning permission," wrote one Facebook poster.

"I ended up ringing the police after one of them assaulted a neighbour."

In response, Wellingborough-based Tingdene has put out a statement dissociating itself from the clearance works that took place last  Sunday morning.

It reads: "We have been made aware of works that have been undertaken on Plot 105 by its new owners.

"We are aware that there are various  comments on social media indicating that the works have been completed by approved contractors appointed by Tingdene Holiday Parks Ltd.

"This information is not correct.

"As Humberston Fitties Holiday Park is within a conservation area, consent should be sought from both Tingdene Holiday Parks Ltd (Landlord) and North East Lincolnshire Council (planning authority) prior to any works being undertaken." 

The statement concludes: "We will continue to work with the owners of the plot in relation to the approval that is  required prior to any further works being undertaken." 

Tingdene did previously - early in 2019 -  apply to planners to build a chalet at Plot 105, but, for reasons unknown, it subsequently withdrew the application.

The identity of the leasehold purchaser of the plot has not been revealed, nor whether NELC is investigating.

Contractors on site earlier this week