Fireball Risk to residents - Tower Hamlets grants permission for potentially unsafe development.

3.40.34pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 4th Oct 2006

The development is in potentially dangerous proximity to the gasholder.

In a staggering case of Council incompetence criticised by the Health and Safety Executive, a Liberal Democrat Councillor has uncovered evidence that Tower Hamlets Council has unlawfully granted planning permission for housing developments within the HSE's consultation zone surrounding Bethnal Green Gasholder Station.

The Council, which failed to heed two reminders of the consultation zone around the Bethnal Green site, now faces legal action at the High Court from the National Grid.

The 60 metre 'consultation zone' is designed to eliminate the possibility of danger to human life. The main hazard from the site is an escape of gas and ignition leading to a large fireball. One of the residential developments is partially constructed and could be just eight metres from the gasholder site.

Commenting, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council, Cllr Dr Stephanie Eaton said: "Tower Hamlets Borough Council has chronically neglected its duty of care to the public. The developments in the hazard zone of Bethnal Green Gas Station are vulnerable to a potential catastrophe which could put residents in acute danger and even lead to loss of life.

"Several crucial questions must be answered immediately. Firstly, how did the situation arise whereby the Health and Safety Executive were not consulted on these planning applications? Secondly, will the Council be liable to the developers' costs if the structures already built need to be demolished for safety reasons? Finally, why has the council failed to issue stop notices to prevent further construction on these potentially hazardous sites?"

Warning signs on the fence surrounding the site.

In a comment from the Council today the head of Development and Renewal, Emma Peters stated "We accept that a procedural error took place but we are confident that we are now complying to best practice to ensure the safety of everyone living in the area"

On receiving the response, Cllr Eaton stated "I am not satisfied that there are mechanisms in place to protect local residents. The people of Tower Hamlets need an immediate and unqualified assurance that their safety will be considered as the top priority by the Council's planning department and there will be no further "procedural errors" which may put our residents' lives at risk."