Battle to save 'the last scrap of green'

RESIDENTS PROTEST AT PLANS TO TAKE AWAY KIDS’ PLAY AREA

- WILLIAM TELFORD

BATTLE is intensifying over plans to build homes on the only green space in a huge Plymouth housing estate, with protesters demanding the decision be made by elected councillors and not unelected council staff.

More than 40 people have submitted objections to a proposal for housing on the plot in the Wilmot Gardens area of Crownhill.

The future of the Plymouth City Council-owned land, which neighbouring residents say is the only place for children to play in the area, was due to be decided by council officers. But campaigners want councillors to make the call and the council’s head of strategic planning and infrastructure, Paul Barnard, is now weighing whether to let the planning committee decide.

Residents have been fighting plans to develop the 1,347sq m site and cut down trees for three years. An initial planning application was withdrawn after protests in 2021.

But earlier this year developer Darren Wills, of Classic Builders (SW) Ltd, submitted proposals to construct five affordable homes on the patch of land. The Crownhill Local Area Residents Association (Clara) continues to protest, and is now supported by Plymouth Tree Partnership.