Battle to protect 'jewel in the crown' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Battle to protect 'jewel in the crown'
6:00pm Friday 2nd January 2009 in Search
residents in Chippenham have launched a campaign to save a much-loved woodland from the axe.
A group of developers has approached North Wiltshire District Council to seek clarification on what issues would need to be addressed to develop 46 hectares of land at Birds Marsh Wood.
But locals say it is one of the town’s last beauty spots.
Sheila Davies, 77, who lives on Hill Corner Road, said: “This would be an abomination.
It would be a crying shame if the wood was torn down for yet more housing
Sheila Davies
“This is a beautiful part of the town and a real jewel in the crown when people drive in from the M4.
“It is very popular with dog walkers and families on a Sunday afternoon.
“It would be a crying shame if the wood was torn down for yet more housing.”
Protesters have set up a campaign group on the social networking site Facebook to raise awareness of the plans.
So far more than 500 people have signed up.
Simon Main, who lives in Broomfield and set up the Facebook group, said: “I just want people to know that things are happening, and a large part of green belt is under threat.
“The last thing I want to happen is that a planning application goes through without the majority of the public being aware.
“I and many people who have signed up on the Facebook group spent most of their youth visiting Birds Marsh. Even today hundreds of local people visit the place every day.
“Birds Marsh is a stunning place 365 days a year, and so is the land that surrounds it.
“Let’s not let this get steamrollered through.”
Leader of North Wiltshire District Council Dick Tonge said: “At this stage we have only been asked to rule on what impacts and issues a possible development in this area of Chippenham might cause.
“We have not received any planning application.
“If an application is received, they have to supply the information we have asked for and we will then consult with local people for their views as part of the normal planning process.”
