Petition against stadium tops 2,000 mark
MORE than 2,200 people have signed a petition against plans for a new football stadium and 4,500 homes.
Plans for the 45,000-seat stadium form part of Nottingham's 2018 World Cup bid and have been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council for consideration in its long-term plan.
The stadium would be a new home for Nottingham Forest as well as a new national base for women's football.
But Holme Pierrepont and Gamston Parish Council do not want the stadium on the green-belt land near them and are campaigning against the proposal. Parish council chairman Diane Kidger said: "We are not against the bid – it's the location of the stadium which the parish council said they don't like – we would prefer a brown field site."
The petition was started at the beginning of November by the parish council and covers Adbolton, Bassingfield, Gamston and Holme Pierrepont.
Mrs Kidger said: "We have visited houses asking people to sign. It has been a great opportunity to talk to people and explain it.''
She said a copy of the petition had been sent to Lord Triesman, the 2018 bid chairman. She said signatures were still being collected and in January the petition will be presented to the borough council.
David and Margaret Left have lived in Kentmere Close in Gamston for 15 years.
Mr Left said: "Our main concern is the fact it is being planned for a green fields site.''
David Garratt-Flear, of Elterwater Drive, said: "It's not about what's being put there it's about the green-belt land.''
Rushcliffe Borough Council has withdrawn support for the bid.
The promoters of the scheme claim it meets the housing needs of Rushcliffe in the best way possible. The proposals include new woodland and two country parks as well as hotels, offices and sporting facilities.
Mark Arthur, chief executive of Nottingham Forest, said: "We have not divulged the plans of the proposed development.
"They are protesting without knowing what they are protesting about.''
"We are providing the much needed homes that Rushcliffe has to provide."
The city's bid was handed over to Football Association officials on Thursday.
To download a copy of the petition visit www.holmepierrepontandgamstonpc.org.uk
tanya.holden@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
9 Comments
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by nig,notts, Lovely green fields of Rushcliffe
Thursday, December 17 2009, 2:33PM
“Is not the city ground owned by the city council and do they only recieve a peppercorn rent for it? Is the site going to be worth millions in development when vacated? The only losers here are the people of the county who will have a monstrosity of a development thrust upon their lovely green fields on the whims of people who live elsewhere. Whats wrong with the massive tract of land between the railway and island St...thats an eyesore build it there...or wont you make as much money ??”
by Bring it..., and they will sign
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 4:50PM
“I would echo red fred's statement. Bring the petitiion to the match. There are tons of forest fans who's voices have not been heard or even asked if they want a new statement, and their answers are NO. Bring the petition, it will get PLENTY of signatures.”
by Colin, Gamston
Monday, November 30 2009, 7:49PM
“Read the comments in the article people. The protest is against the use of Green Belt land. The fact its a stadium, 4500 houses, changes in roads, destruction to the green land just adds to the protest but ultimately it comes back to the use of the land. GREEN BELT LAND. So Mark Arthur in all due respect, any construction on this proposed site is worth protesting about!!! Once the brown field sites have all been exhaustered, then and only then should green field sites be considered. And even then its still extremely debatable. Have people ever considered the planet needs green to survive, WE need green to survive. Do you want to live in a country with just buildings, roads and no countryside? Over 2000 signatures for a community of just 1200 houses where the campaigners time is all voluntary is actually fantastic and only the start. Hopefully this will all come to nothing, however we will carry on shouting up and showing how interested we are in protecting our countries countryside!!!”
by Red Fred, Sneinton
Monday, November 30 2009, 5:03PM
“Mrs K.
Bring your petition to the City Ground on Saturday morning( It's a 1.00pm Kick-off)
You will get 20,000 plus signatures on it-GUARANTEED.
The City Ground will ALWAYS be the home of Nottingham Forest.”
by andrea silenzi, the paint bush
Monday, November 30 2009, 1:09PM
“now don't stand in the way of progress people”