Protests over plans to build houses on valuable green space in Crownhill have led to the planning application being referred to Plymouth City Council’s planning committee.
More than 40 objections were lodged after it emerged that the plan to build seven homes on land adjacent to Wilmot Gardens in Crownhill was due to be signed off by planning officers, rather than elected members of the planning committee.
READ OUR PREVIOUS ARTICLE ABOUT THE CROWNHILL GREENSPACE
Anger over plans to build homes on Crownhill community’s ‘last green space’
Local residents – including the Crownhill and Local Area Residents Association (CLARA) – have been fighting the plans as they say this is the only green space in the area where children can play, dog walkers can give their pets a run and disabled, vulnerable and elderly people can both get to easily and enjoy for their wellbeing.
The residents are also concerned about the potential felling of mature trees in an ancient hedgerow that borders the site, plus they are worried about the likely loss of wildlife, including foxes, hedgehogs and bats.
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A spokesman for CLARA said:
“We are delighted that this application will now be discussed during an open public planning committee meeting rather than behind closed doors. It gives us a chance to address the committee on our objections to the plans, as well as to flag up the relevant policies that we believe contradict the proposed development. It’s our chance to let the committee know that these plans should not go ahead for a number of relevant reasons.
“For more than two years, CLARA has been fighting to save the only green space left in our community. Without this space, children will have to walk far and cross busy roads to access the next closest green area. Dog walkers, the elderly and the vulnerable will also lose this valuable area that helps with their physical and mental wellbeing. Mature trees in an ancient hedgerow may also be removed as the result of this development.
“We thank Plymouth City Council for listening to us. We believe there was a time when this application was earmarked for decision under delegated authority, which means it would be made without open debate and public scrutiny. However, it has been confirmed that the decision will be made by the planning committee and that means we can state our case in opposition to these proposals.
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“It took CLARA some effort to successfully convince the council that there is serious merit in this matter being discussed at the next planning committee meeting, however we are really pleased that we were heard and it will be debated at the end of August.
“Emotions are high in our community as residents really want to protect this green space and nurture it for future generations. However, when it comes to presenting our case to the planning committee then emotions go out the door.
“We believe we have a strong case in terms of the policies that we believe these plans contradict and we look forward to presenting this case to the committee members who will ultimately decide whether these plans are approved or rejected.
“If you care about saving vital green spaces in the heart of our Plymouth communities, particularly spaces like this that are effectively the final green areas in a community, then do come to the planning committee meeting to support us.
“We will have lots of residents down there and you are welcome to join. Alternatively, find our CLARA Facebook page and leave some comments there. We appreciate all those who support our cause from across our city.”
