Historic Hardy Farm, part of Chorlton Meadows in the Mersey Valley, is under threat from development. A company called West Didsbury and Chorlton Grounds Ltd, fronted by Rob Turley who is also vice chairman and CEO of West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC (a separate entity), and formerly of Turley Associates planning consultancy, has purchased all the land shown green on the map, with the immediate intention of building 8 new football pitches including an astroturf pitch, Exempla style fencing and 15 metre (49ft) high floodlights for 2 pitches.
Clicking the map should open a PDF in a new window (Adobe Reader requ’d) in which can be seen the extent of the proposal.
Some of this land has been purchased from Manchester University; who owned the rest is not known.
The area is rich in wildlife and biodiversity; it is the only wild open space in South Manchester and there are already too many under-used football facilites See Google map close by. Floodlights and fencing will completely change the character of the area, and the lights may disturb bats, which are already on the decline in England. Once it is gone it is gone.
A Planning Application has already been submitted for the floodlit pitches; planning already exists for the other pitches, dating from UMIST’s ownership
Objections deadline was Oct 1st 2009, however if you missed the deadline please keep submitting objections. Generally, the dept. will still include ones that are in when they are collating their report. Objections, even as late as the day before committee are included in late representations.
Links: Friends of Chorlton Meadows (biodiversity, photos) | In the News | Contact your Councillor or MP
UPDATES : For more information, posters, leaflets and to see what is happening and what you can do, visit:
WWW.SAVECHORLTONMEADOWS.CO.UK
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