Please see the following statement regarding Hough End Fields. If you are a member of a local community group, wildlife, nature or environment group or an individual who would like to sign to support the appeal to save Hough End Fields, please click onto the Google Form Link at the bottom.
Joint statement on Hough End Fields
We, the undersigned, have serious concerns regarding the current planning application at Hough End Fields and how the proposals will impact on people’s health and the environment.
The proposals include a fenced softball/baseball complex, artificial football pitches with fencing and floodlighting, an extension to the leisure centre and 167 additional car parking spaces. These plans would involve the felling of trees in a woodland designated as a priority habitat by Natural England.
The proposed car park and fenced pitches would lead to a reduction in the open green space that is vital for physical and mental health and well-being. These changes would see multi-functional grass fields that are freely accessible and open to all converted into fenced areas for specific team sports and restricted to those who can afford to pay.
The fields are an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including priority species such as starlings and hedgehogs. Now more than ever we need to focus on protecting, enhancing and connecting nature, especially in cities, where woodland and green space are at a premium.
Manchester City Council has declared a climate emergency and set a target to halve the city’s carbon emissions in the next 5 years. However, the current proposals include a large extension to the existing car park that will only increase car usage and emissions.
Princess Road is one of the busiest roads in Europe with harmful air pollution that exceeds World Health Organisation limits. This has a disproportionate impact on children and older people. The Council has a duty to reduce air pollution rather than adding to the problem by encouraging more car journeys.
For these reasons, we call on the Council to withdraw its proposed plans for Hough End Fields, and engage with the local community and all users of the fields to develop a shared vision for the future of this precious green space.
Signed
*** TO ADD YOUR ORGANISATION AS A SIGNATORY, FILL IN THIS GOOGLE FORM ***
WR 4 wildlife 