Emotionally charged Public Meeting takes place as Hucknall residents unite to oppose Local Plan

The upstairs room in the John Godber Centre in Hucknall was full to capacity this morning (Saturday 16 October) as local residents gathered to show their opposition to Ashfield District Council's Local Plan.

The Plan features controversial proposals to build 3000 houses on Whyburn Farm which is greenbelt land and this has caused uproar among members of the Hucknall community.

The meeting was chaired by ex-Labour Councillor John Wilkinson and the panel consisted of three Hucknall District Councillors: Chris Baron of the Conservative Party; Lauren Mitchell of Labour and John Wilmott from the Ashfield Independents who have the majority on the Council.

As well as the politicians the panel also included Jemma Chambers who founded the Hucknall Against Whyburn Farm Development Facebook group, which now has nearly 4000 members, and Jonathan Bhusan who has lived in Hucknall for seven years and works for one of the doctors' surgeries in the town.

The meeting began with a minute's silence for Conservative MP Sir David Amess who was killed at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex yesterday.

There was then the opportunity for each panellist to speak for five minutes about their views on the proposals. They were unanimous in being against it.

Councillor Mitchell described the plans if they go ahead as "having a detrimental affect on the residents that live there."

Councillor Baron said: "Hucknall has had its fair share of housing."

Councillor Wilmott added: "Hucknall's Ashfield Independent Councillors stand with you against these plans."

Jemma Chambers said: "I implore you to listen to your constituents and do the right thing."

There was then the opportunity for residents to make comments and ask questions. One individual, Daniel, spoke of his battle with depression and how the Misk Hills are his safe haven. He said: "It gives me peace to walk around the rolling hills. (If these plans go ahead) It will be like bulldozing a piece of my mind."

His comments were met with a standing ovation from many of the residents at the meeting.

Not one resident voiced their support for the plans and Councillor Wilmott was jeered and heckled when he blamed the Conservative government for setting the housing target so high.

Summing up Mr Bhusan said: "If it's a democracy this should be overturned. Please don't take this away from my son's future."

Ms Chambers had the final say and urged the people of Hucknall to "maintain this passion" in the fight against the Local Plan.

Councillor Mitchell confirmed that she will submit a motion to the District Council asking for the Local Plan to be withdrawn after the consultation period has ended and stated that Councillor Kevin Rostance has already agreed to second it.

The mood among the residents was incredibly positive as the meeting ended.

Anyone wishing to sign the e-petition against the Local Plan can do so here .