Following the publication of the planning inspector’s ‘post-hearings advice letter’ last week, which leaves the golf course land in the Borough Local Plan, the Maidenhead Great Park campaign group pledges to continue to fight to save this greenspace.
Lead petitioner, Tina Quadrino, says: “Although the council still has some work to do to answer the planning inspector’s questions before the Borough Local Plan can be formally adopted, it looks like permission is going to be granted for development of the green belt land of the golf course.
“We are devastated that our council wants to destroy this important space for biodiversity and vital green lung for our town. They are selling off a vital asset for our growing community to fight the worst effects of climate change, and to make a critical difference to our health and wellbeing.
“Many local people have opposed this environmentally damaging proposal for many years. Thirteen local groups, under the umbrella of RRAG, including Braywick Action Group, joined forces to oppose the destruction of this greenspace.
“We will not give up fighting for this space to remain green for the benefit of our community, and we will vehemently oppose any forthcoming planning applications.
“Meanwhile, the trees on the golf course remain unprotected, with no plans for a tree survey and relevant Tree Protection Orders to be put in place, as long as the land is owned by the council.”
Cllr Geoff Hill of Oldfield ward, explains: “This is a sad moment for everyone who has supported our campaign and who understands the value of this greenspace for our community.
“However, we will continue to campaign for the protection of this greenspace, and the thousands of mature trees providing vital important wildlife habitats.
“It is simply inconceivable in an enlightened society which understands the threat that climate change poses to all our lives, that greenspace can be destroyed, especially when so many brownfield sites remain unoccupied.
“What answers do we give to the children of the borough when the diggers roll in and they see that we are taking away their future? There is no justification for this type of development in today’s society.”
You can read the planning inspector’s letter ‘ID-33 Stage 2 post-hearings advice letter’ here https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/planning/planning-policy/emerging-plans-and-policies/draft-borough-local-plan/examination-local-plan