E-petition against plans to build on Hucknall greenbelt site gains over 600 signatures in 24 hours

An e-petition started by a Hucknall resident, opposing the controversial proposals from Ashfield District Council to build 3000 houses on Whyburn Farm, has gained over 600 signatures in 24 hours.

Mandy Shaw who lives near the greenbelt land which has been designated for the project, was so appalled at the plans that she wanted to do something to show the Council her displeasure at this idea.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Mrs Shaw said: "I love that lane, I love the people who go up and down it. All day during the pandemic, I couldn't even explain to you how many people use the lane just to get away. We met so many people and had socially distanced conversations with them so it got me through it. I've got dogs that I walk up the lane and it's just a beautiful space, I really don't think Hucknall can take any more new housing. We haven't got the infrastructure to support new housing and people moving in."

The biggest grievance isn't with the houses being built but the proposed location. Mrs Shaw said: "Why build on greenbelt when there are brown sites still available in Hucknall and surrounding areas? There are plenty of other places they could build. Surely this is the last bit of green that we've got. Also I want to protect the wildlife that's up there. My back garden backs on to the field there and the amount of wildlife that I see and the people walking up the lane must see."

Although she had hoped people would feel the same as her about these proposals and be willing to get involved, Mrs Shaw has been blown away by the amount of responses she has received so far and the strength of feeling about the plans.

"I've had so many emails and messages from people in Hucknall who have lived in Hucknall all their life. And I think that's what's come across to me, the people that I've spoken to and the people that've emailed me and said this is part of us, we don't want to lose that. And I think you can see that by the passion people have shown and the amount of people who are joining the Facebook page and the people that are signing the petition. The love of that area has shocked me really, I never thought we'd get this response."

Asked about any targets that have been set for the petition Mrs Shaw said: "I'd like to get 1500 or more because that means it'll have to be presented to a full Council. It would be nice if we could get 10,000 because then it would go to parliament it'd have to go in front of government."

Anyone wanting to sign the petition can do so here , it should only take a couple of minutes. There is also a Facebook page for people against the plans which now has over 2000 members despite only starting a few days ago.