Dear friends and supporters,
What began as a local campaign to stop the destruction of a green lung in Highgate — where 19 mature trees were felled — has now revealed something much bigger.
Across the country, we’re seeing a systemic pattern:
Developers are pushing through commercial and speculative developments by exploiting loopholes in planning and environmental law — and too often, authorities are letting it happen.
Highgate: A Conservation Area Under Attack
Our campaign began in Shepherds Close, Highgate, where a developer cleared garden land in a protected conservation area adjacent to Parkland Walk Nature Reserve — designated Metropolitan Open Land.
19 trees were destroyed, with no planning permission in sight -
The site was repeatedly reclassified as "brownfield" and “infill” by the developer and resubmitted for “self-build” housing to circumvent protections
Despite rejection and local opposition, over 40 years - the current developer continues to submit speculative applications, eroding public trust and green space
Authorities failed to act swiftly or decisively, allowing unauthorised works to take place
🧱 What’s Really Happening at Fountain Group - Tamar Nurseries In Norfolk?
🏗️ A 1,240m² storage and distribution warehouse (Use Class B8) was approved — but no CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) was charged despite being legally liable.
🚧 That warehouse remains unbuilt, so there is still time to reassess or stop it.
💧 The site now contains three 2-million-litre water tanks, a commercial drainage system, and now a proposed reservoir — far beyond what a traditional nursery requires.
🛒 The business is trading under the name “Rachel Outlets”, suggesting a shift toward retail or distribution.
🌳 The mature willow tree was felled without consent, right where a new access point had previously been proposed.
❌ The tree — and its ecological value — was entirely omitted from planning documents, raising serious questions about misrepresentation.
⚠️ Why This Should Alarm Everyone
This is not just about one reservoir. This is about:
Developers quietly repurposing land while avoiding scrutiny
Applications being fragmented to evade environmental impact assessments
Public consultation being bypassed
Environmental protections being ignored or overwritten
Planning obligations (like CIL) being dodged — costing the community money
If this is allowed to go through without challenge, it sets a precedent:
📍 That developers can reshape land use without transparency
📍 That omissions go unpunished
📍 That the public only finds out after it’s too late
🌍 It’s Not Local - we’re seeing the same tactics Nationwide
Speculative developers repeatedly target protected green spaces
Fragmented applications trying to wear down the community
A failure of enforcement, transparency, and accountability
These cases are connected. They show how the planning system is being bent to serve development interests rather than the public good.
✍️ Please Object to This Application Before It’s Too Late
The current planning application (Ref: 25/00436/FM) must be stopped or paused for a full site review.
📌 Object here (it takes 2 minutes):
👉 https://online.west-norfolk.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=SSXHA0IVG4S00
💬 Suggested text you can use:
I object to this application due to the cumulative commercial development, unlawful felling of a mature tree, and omission of key ecological features.
The site is no longer functioning as a nursery, and the development must be reviewed as a single commercial operation.
I request a full site-wide review, reassessment of CIL liability, and investigation into past planning breaches.
🕒 Objections are still open — but they could close at any time. Make your voice heard now.
🙏 Thank You for Standing With Us
We are fighting not just for a tree or a field but also for planning fairness, environmental protection, and the right of communities to be consulted.
We need a planning system that works for the people, not for developers behind closed doors.
Together, we can make this the case that stops developer-led abuse in its tracks.
With strength and solidarity,
Aisha Ali
📄 New! One-Page Briefing Sheet
Designed for councillors, neighbours, media, or anyone who needs the full picture — fast.
🔗 Download the Briefing PDF
🌱 This Campaign Has Become National
This isn’t just about one tree or one site. It’s about how developers exploit legal loopholes to destroy green spaces — while accountability evaporates.
Because of the evidence gathered, the strategic action taken, and the clear national pattern this reveals, this case is now being recognised as a national example of failure in environmental and planning governance.
🤝 You’re Part of Something Bigger
If you’ve ever felt frustrated watching local nature disappear…
If you’ve felt powerless when a developer overrides rules and public objections…
This campaign is yours too.
We’re building a collective voice strong enough to demand real change — and we need you with us.
“We are not separate from the land — we are shaped by it. When green spaces are erased, so is part of what makes us whole.”
📣 Already signed? Amazing. Help us reach 10,000 by sharing with 3 others who care about:
🌿 Nature
⚖️ Fairness
🌍 Future generations
💬 And if you’re facing a similar battle — or want to help others speak up — get in touch.
Together, we can connect the dots and build a stronger movement for real environmental justice.
We are not alone.
And we are not powerless.