‘Large Burton’ frustration

I am writing to bring to your attention my feelings - as a local long-term Kennington resident - towards the proposed ‘Large Burton’ [Conningbrook Park] estate on Willesborough Road. As you are no doubt aware, the recent motion to approve this highly controversial development was won by just one single vote and the one Tory councillor who was on the side of the residents was not permitted to attend the meeting.

Many local residents are hoping for an inquiry to take place as a matter of urgency. This proposal is an absolute disaster for our local area and it seems that local feeling and opinions were completely disregarded.

Kennington is unable to take the burden of another 725 houses - the doctors’ surgeries, the hospital, the roads - the infrastructure simply cannot cope with more.

In addition to this, losing a beautiful piece of Grade 1 arable land at this time, when nature and open spaces are the only things keeping many people sane in this pandemicstricken time, is absolutely criminal.

I was out walking in this field earlier this month and in just 15 minutes I counted 20 different people out walking and appreciating all that nature has to offer us.

This development desired by a minority of business people - none of whom even live in the area - cannot be allowed to go ahead.

I do hope that by writing and - once again - making local feelings known, something can be done to stop this destructive, ill-advised and completely unwanted development.

Joana Dores Kennington