Resident slams plan to build homes on park
A FRUSTRATED resident has described a proposal to build houses on his local park as “depressing” and “unthinkable”.
Michael Howe has lived next to Disco Field in Boldon Colliery for more than 30 years. The 50-year-old said children play on the green space and owners walk their dogs in the area.
He is fighting to keep the park after learning it has been earmarked by South Tyneside Council as a possible location where homes could be built. Michael has set up a Facebook group called “Friends of Disco Fields”, which now has more than 750 members.
The bricklayer said the local authority should be looking to build on other areas, which are used for fly-tipping, rather than Disco Field. He said last week the council even put posters up which told residents to love their local park.
Michael said: “South Tyneside Council put posters up last week saying ‘Love your parks.’ They don’t see the irony of the whole situation.
“I realise that we, as a community and as a nation, need more houses, we need social housing above all else. But ultimately we have to have the correct place to put these houses.
“It’s unthinkable. The park means so much to people, there’s no alternative place to go. It’s depressing to think this is what it has come to. The main reason I moved to my house was for the park. When I asked my neighbours they said the same.”
The proposal to build 45 properties on the park is part of the local authority’s “Local Plan”. Another 39 areas in South Tyneside have also been allocated for housing development. Michael
said residents in the area have not been sent letters about the possible housing development, which will be located behind their properties. He said he set up the Facebook group to let people know what the local authority isn’t letting people know.
He said: “Since I have found out about it I have got lots of support from my local councillor. Kate Osborne has also backed our campaign.”
Michael said there is wildlife, including bats, on Disco Field and the park has more than 100 mature trees. He said: “There’s dog walkers on it constantly and there’s kids on it at the minute. There’s a sheltered accommodation nearby and the park is used daily by all of the elderly. If they didn’t use the park they wouldn’t get out of the house. Where are they going to go?”
Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow, is supporting Michael’s campaign. She said: “I fully support the campaign to save the park. I have several concerns about the Local Plan and proposals around the constituency, particularly the proposals for Disco Fields and Dipe Lane, as well as proposals to build on greenbelt land in Fellgate and in Cleadon and East Boldon. Building on our parks and greenbelt is never a solution.”
South Tyneside Council said there’s been an extensive communications campaign on the plan, including press, social media and public consultation events. Cllr Margaret Meling said: “We’ve had a great response to consultation on the local plan so far, with our 11 events well attended and more than 1,500 comments received to date. For those who have not yet given their views, the consultation period does not close until Sunday, August 14.
“To be formally considered, views must be made in writing via the appropriate channels.” For further information, visit www. southtyneside.
gov.uk/localplan