In a small provincial town, locals noticed that a hitherto innocuous warehouse, with low-key storage activities, suddenly became a much busier place. A new owner had sublet the property into several units. The new businesses seemed to bring with them significant environmental and health risks.
Neighbours became concerned when a glue-like smell pervaded the air. During low water, a local river showed signs of diesel pollution. Tyres and other waste products were burned in open fires, with fumes spreading over local houses. As industrial activity increased, further large arc lights shone into people's bedrooms. These and the pounding of machinery interfered with sleep and leisure activities.
All of these changes took place without permission for change of use from agricultural warehouse to light industry. Over a year later there is concern about an apparent increase in respiratory problems locally and people are worried about the long-term health effects of air and water pollution in particular.