You will all be aware of the fire on 15 April 2026 and the significant disruption it has caused across the local area. Several buildings have been damaged, and the financial impact on businesses on the site is expected to run into many thousands of pounds due to lost work and repairs.

This incident was not unavoidable. Those responsible should not be permitted back on site. However, Lee Brothers Properties, does not own the specific area where this activity has taken place and is therefore unable to prevent their return.

Over recent years, the wider site has undergone substantial restoration and refurbishment. Original buildings and the entrance to the industrial estate have been restored, bringing real improvement and investment to the area. This progress is now being undermined by repeated incidents of unsafe and unlawful activity.

Despite ours and our tenants repeated and ongoing complaints and requests for assistance to all agencies including the environment agency, multiple departments of the local council and others, no substantial action has been taken to prevent what has happened or deter the continued illegal and unsafe activities that have led to this incident.

This is the second serious fire in the same location as you will be aware. The previous incident destroyed buildings and affected the lorry scrap yard. Debris from that fire was not properly removed; instead, it was pushed aside and left in large piles, which have continued to grow over time. This created a clear and escalating fire risk. On Wednesday, that risk materialised once again.

It is only due to favourable wind conditions that the damage was not far worse. Had the wind been blowing towards Sutton Bonington, residents may have faced evacuation and even greater danger. As it was, gas cylinders were propelled approximately 30 metres into the air, landing across the site—posing a very real risk to life.

The individuals responsible cannot be allowed to continue operating without consequence. It is extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured.

Other businesses on the site are required to comply with strict legal standards, including fire safety regulations, inspections, and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversight. It is deeply concerning that these standards do not appear to have been enforced consistently across all operators.

We have raised these matters once again with the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency, our local MP, and other relevant authorities. We strongly encourage residents to do the same. Collective pressure is essential to ensure that proper enforcement action is taken and that this situation is not allowed to continue.

There has been ample prior awareness of the risks associated with this area of the site. The failure to act decisively has contributed to a repeat of this incident. It is vital that all responsible authorities now take urgent and effective action.

If not for the amazing response by the local emergency services (especially the fire brigade) and all of their incredible hard work on site which has continued into today things could have been much worse resulting in injury or worse.

Useful contacts:

Owner of the land that the fire originated:

Mr David Hutchinson

Hutchinsondavid@aol.com

Local MP:

james.naish.mp@parliament.uk

0115 646 6404

Report an environmental issue: www.gov.uk/report-environmental-problem

Environmental Crimes officer:

jane.bestwick@environment-agency.gov.uk

Health and Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/.../tell-us-about-a-health-and...

Rushcliffe Borough Council complaints: http://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/.../complaints-and-compliments/