Neighbours campaign to stop green space in city being developed
‘TAKE US OFF LIST’, DEMAND RESIDENTS ALSO CONCERNED FOR ITS WILDLIFE
NEIGHBOURS of a green space earmarked for potential housing in Leicester’s Local Plan are mounting a campaign against the proposal.
The site is one of 83 listed in the document which outlines long-term development within the city council area.
The profile suggests 78 dwellings could be built on the plot, on Featherstone Drive, Eyres Monsell.
Jamie James uses the area every day. She said: “We know it might not be at the top of the council’s list but we don’t want it on that list at all.
“Building there is unthinkable to those of us that spend time there and value that space.
“There are people walking, playing or spending time there all day every day, it’s so important to the people that live near to it.
“We’re not talking about people who can hop in the car and drive to Bradgate Park, or Bouskell Park in Blaby, we’re talking about families, often who don’t have cars, that walk here every day.
“There’s nowhere else like it within walking distance. So many people would be affected if it was built on.”
A teacher in Wigston, Mrs James added: “We know there are massive health benefits of green open space, mental and physical. Even the threat of housing being built there is affecting people.
“During lockdown it was a lifesaver for so many people.”
Residents also report spotting wildlife, including rare species, on the plot, including a reported siting of red squirrels earlier this week.
Bats, newts, foxes, badgers and red kites have also been seen there, according to locals.
Muntjac deer, kingfishers and hedgehogs are also said to live in the woodland that makes up part of the site.
Mrs James added: “We’re exploring whether there is a covenant on the land. Building there goes against what Lady Monsell wanted for the estate, the green spaces were included for people’s leisure, health and enjoyment.
“We’re determined that it stays for the same reasons.”
Thousands of new homes will be needed in Leicester for the city’s growing population over the next 15 or 20 years and the local plan is council bosses mapping out dozens of sites where they think they should be built.
Residents are able to have their say in a consultation that is ongoing.
Ann Tootell, who has lived opposite the park for 50 years, said: “My family has been brought up here.
“We have spent many happy days, weeks, months and years on this park watching the seasons change, spotting the animals, enjoying the scenery and breathing the fresh air!
“How can anyone want to destroy this beautiful area?”
Residents have set up a Facebook page to gain support for their campaign.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby insists the consultation is the start of a conversation about the future of the city.
He said: “There are many sites within the Local Plan that are under consideration to help us meet the city’s housing need. There is no doubt some of them will be controversial and people can feed their thoughts into the consultation we are running.
“This is the first of many opportunities to discuss them.”
Lib Dem councillor Nigel Porter said the consultation shouldn’t be going ahead during the pandemic.
He told the Mercury: “The Local Plan could see significant changes in the city and will affect everybody so it’s important people are properly able to engage in any major public consultation process and are able to fully understand what plans are being put forward so they are in a position to properly object.
“A large number of people will be unable to properly participate which is completely outrageous and contrary to the laws around a proper public consultation.
“They just don’t seem to realise that we need to protect our green spaces, not bulldoze them and stick more concrete on top of them.”
The consultation is available online at:
A large number of people will be unable to properly participate which is completely outrageous and contrary to laws around a proper public consultation Lib Dem councillor Nigel Porter, right