Making a stand to save the green belt
Plot of land put up for sale sparks protest move
YOUNG, old and equine came together to stand against future development on green belt land in Hayes.
Residents worried about the possible loss of the open space rallied together sticking ‘Save Hayes Park Home Farm green belt land’ posters around the area to show would-be buyers they mean business.
A 145-acre plot of land that was put up for sale and listed on Rightmove, has attracted so much interest it will be sold by a sealed bidding process.
73-year-old Deanna Lines of Mellow Lane East has lived in various streets around the fields since she was six. She said: “It’s my past, it’s my way of life that I’ve been brought up around. I can remember as a child being able to play in the fields, when it was long grass with cows in the field.”
Mrs Lines went to Meadow Lane School and has many fond memories of the fields, and would be “devastated” if they were to be built on.
She added: “I’d rather stay as it is – green belt – with the horses on it now because there’s stables all around the field. I don’t want to see houses or schools built on it because we’ve got enough schools in this area.
“There’s animals, foxes, birds, horses, there’s even wild cats. Why take that away from them? Why take the fresh air away from the kids?
“When I look out the window I see fields and I’ve had that all my life.
“The message to those wanting to buy the land is: don’t even think about it, you can buy it but don’t build on it. Leave it as it is.”
To make a stand against the loss of green belt, crowds of residents opposed to development came out in force and were even joined by horses and riders from local stables. Caroline Donnelly, Founder of Friends of Hayes End, an ‘informal residents’ association for people living and working in and around Hayes End’, said: “I have to say I was blown away by just how many people turned up to take part, which just goes to show the strength of feeling within the local community that this area is one that needs to be preserved and maintained as Green Belt.
“There is so much redevelopment and regeneration going on in the rest of Hayes at the moment, and that is great to see and should bring great economic benefits.
“However, none of us want to live in a concrete jungle, and preserving Home Farm’s green belt status should protect against that and ensure the residents of Hayes End and Charville have open spaces to enjoy for many more years to come.”
The Home Farm and land at Hayes Park is listed for sale with Bidwells, as a whole for £5,450,000 or can be partially purchased in one of five separate lots.
Bidwells said they are unable to give specific details about buyers but added: “We can confirm that there has been a lot of interest in this site.”
The final block viewing session for the land was yesterday (Tuesday) and the sale of the plots will be concluded by sealed bids on Thursday September 24.