Council unifies over pledge to protect north Northamptonshire's green spaces
North Northamptonshire Council presented a unified front in their commitment to protecting the county’s green spaces at a full council meeting on Thursday (March 7), despite several recent resignations from the leading party over the same issue.
Green Party member, Cllr Emily Fedorowycz, called for the authority to strive to ensure all residents of north Northants have easy access to quality green spaces within a 15-minute walk from their homes and to explore ways to protect and enhance these sites.
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Hide AdJust last week, two former Conservative councillors stepped away from the party to become independents after a row over the potential loss of an area of green space in Rothwell to create a temporary traveller stopping site.
The controversial plans have been fiercely contended by councillors from all opposition groups, but the Conservative majority at NNC has stayed steadfast in its proposals to explore the site for this purpose.
Cedwien Brown, a newly independent Rothwell and Mawsley councillor, said: “The green space off junction 3 of the A14 that we in Rothwell and the surrounding villages are so desperately trying to save is the nearest available green space for residents living on the south-western side of Rothwell.
“This motion adds weight to the need to protect this precious area and not to destroy at least a third of it by covering it in concrete.”
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Hide AdHer fellow deserter, Cllr Joseph Smyth, also shared his full support of the motion, stating that otherwise he wouldn’t be on “this side of the chamber”.
Cllr Dez Dell (Green) impressed the importance of green space to residents of Northamptonshire, highlighting the long battle to save Weekley Hall Wood, in Kettering, and the 24,000 people who signed their names to protect the beloved space.
He added: “As a council, we know how much our residents care about green spaces, especially when much-loved areas are threatened. We’ve seen thousands of residents across the country mobilise over the last few years to protect those green spaces that are precious to them.
“I urge us as a council to place strict protections on our green spaces so residents can spend more time enjoying them and less time fighting to protect them.”
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Hide AdMembers from all sides of the chamber stood to share their drive to protect the county’s nature spots and green infrastructure and the positive impact that they can have on mental and physical health.
Cllr Gill Mercer (Conservative) said: “You do not have to be a member of the Green Party to care about conserving the environment, you could also be a member of the Conservative Party.”
The motion was passed, with 64 members in favour of the commitment. Cllr Anne Lee (Labour) commented that the “proof will be in the pudding” when future planning applications come forward involving green spaces.