Campaign to safeguard green space
Windsor: Gardner Cottages Community Green has had public access for 152 years
A campaign is underway to protect the future of a community green in Windsor which residents have enjoyed for more than 150 years.
Gardner Cottages Community Green offers a precious, open green space for people living in nearby roads including Duke Street, Vansittart Road and Arthur Road.
The green has a rich history and was used as a site for an air raid shelter in the Second World War as well as hosting Jubilee celebrations across the Queen’s 70-year reign.
But the one-acre plot of land has five private owners and is set to go to auction with a
guide price of £130,000 on November 24.
Estate agents Savills described it as a site ‘which may be suitable for future development’.
Residents are now campaigning for the site to be designated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) which would mean the community has to be informed if the land is put up for sale.
Lindsay Blake, of Duke Street, told the Express: “We’ve had free access to this land for 152 years. It’s part of our community and it’s not just the residents who back onto the green who are really upset about this.
“It is a lovely open space and there are so many people who don’t know about it.”
She added: “During COVID19 it was amazing because it was a safe open space that everybody could walk on.
“It’s a real community space. I’ve lived there 25 years and we feel really strongly that it’s a part of the community, it’s there for everybody and there’s open access.”
The green is listed as a nondesignated heritage asset in
the Windsor Neighbourhood Plan which means its importance to the area must be taken into consideration if anyone applies for planning permission.
More than 100 residents turned out for a meeting at the Windsor and Eton Brewery at the weekend to discuss the next steps for protecting the space, including having the item listed as an ACV with the Royal Borough.
Lindsay added: “There’s a real feeling in this area that we don’t want to lose the green. We don’t want to buy it and turn it into our own little garden. We want it to remain open for the public forever more, like it has been for 152 years.”