On Staten Island, accommodation failed when the issue was site clearance for redevelopment.

Rebuilding the station for the London Overground network began with site clearance in early 2005.

The waste store and reactor building will then be placed on a care and maintenance basis until 2103, with final site clearance and closure by 2111.

Within days of the end of the 2009-10 season, demolition of the stadium commenced and site clearance began.

Mr Owen has prepared a £100,000 plan to make the building, which dates back well into the last century, safe by partial demolition, repairs and site clearance.

That means everything from site clearance and development through financing, construction, sales and on-time delivery of completed homes.

After site clearance, the first track was laid and a compound was built alongside the goods shed which was used by a small business.

It is happening at a time when demolition for its more accustomed purpose - site clearance in preparation for something new - is at a low ebb.

Members of the British Volunteer Force are assisting in site clearance, and many civilians have joined in to help also.

But the State still seems a long way from possession of the land, which must take place before site clearance can begin.