Continuing uncertainty over former cricket ground (East of England Liberal Democrats)

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Continuing uncertainty over former cricket ground

January 16, 2012 11:12 AM
Originally published by Norwich Liberal Democrats Online

In a letter to the Norwich Evening News Cllr David Fairbairn, ward member for Lakenham, outlines his views on the latest developments regarding the former Lakenham cricket ground.

Dear Evening News,

I was disappointed to read the news that the City Council's development plan has been delayed yet again (Evening News 10th January). This document identifies potential sites for development across the city, including the former Lakenham Cricket Ground, in my ward. The Council has blamed the delay on changes in national government policy, and specifically the adoption of a new National Planning Policy Framework. However, they have admitted that the development plan "could be adopted ahead of the Framework's publication". Previously, the Council had blamed the delay on staffing issues and the higher than expected response to their consultation last year. These shifting explanations make me wonder whether the real reason for delay is that Labour actually want to put off controversial decisions until after May's elections.

Whatever the truth, it means continuing uncertainty for residents near the old cricket ground. The site was originally removed from the list in 2010 after plans to build 80 houses on it met with opposition from families living nearby. Last year the Labour Cabinet put it back on the list and further housing plans were proposed, which once again met with local opposition. Local residents want the site to be an open green space with public access, not unreasonable in an area of the city where there is little open space. Since the site has survived this long without being built on for housing, we are desperate that that should not happen now. I have urged the Council to look at innovative courses of action, such as a land swap. I will use this new delay to continue to argue this case and to work with local residents to ensure their voice is heard and listened to in City Hall.

Cllr David Fairbairn

Lakenham ward

Liberal Democrats