UNDERHAND METHODS

Derby developer Ram Narroya objected after a tree preservation order was slapped on the site of a former council children's home the day after the city council sold it to him at auction for a reported £565,000. The council imposed a tree preservation order on the grounds to protect trees from being felled. The trees include lime, yew, beech, ash, cherry and a monkey puzzle. Mr Narroya suggested the council should have informed potential buyers and the auctioneer, Bagshaws Residential, of its intentions before the auction.

Despite his objection, Mr Narroya had been discussing potentially acceptable development schemes with planning officers, according to Mike Kaye, the council's assistant director for development. Mr Kaye said the order was necessary to ensure that the "visually significant trees" were taken into consideration during any redevelopment. He said the trees would also have a "screening effect" in the event of any future development and added, "It is not our practice to notify potential new owners of our intention to make an order before disposal." The council obviously prefers more underhand methods. (Source: Derby Evening Telegraph)