Gone in a Flash! :-(

When we moved to Hellifield last October we soon found lovely walks to take Bella May. 
One such place was 'The Flashes' - a wetland area on the edge of the village. During heavy rain three very large natural ponds would fill up and all manner of wildlife would appear. Wading birds, Swans, geese, ducks and also deer came down to drink.
Then came the news that someone had applied for planning permission to build a hotel on the land and there was a lot of opposition from local residents. Everyone thought it would most definitely be refused on grounds that it was an area of natural beauty and a haven for wildlife.
A few weeks later the bulldozers moved in.
Apparently planning permission was granted a long time ago but nothing had been done with the site and now the date was due to expire, so they have moved in quickly and made a start draing and clearing the area, otherwise they would have to reapply.
Nothing is sacred! :-(