RESIDENTS submitted a 738-signature-petition against Barnfield College’s plans to build on open space to Luton Town Hall yesterday.
The protestors object to plans to build an 80-bed care home, a new primary school and up to 39 houses on playing fields in New Bedford Road.
Councillor Martin Pantling said: “The number of signatures on the petition and the group here today clearly shows the amount of strong feeling in the area about the plans and I sincerely hope Barnfield will think again.”
The college will also build new sports facilities, but residents fear these will not be paid-for and will not be as accessible as the current open space.
Barnfield Estates Director John Corbett said: “We will be creating better sporting facilities for use by all. There is no intention of using the sports fields to create revenue, other than to cover maintenance costs. The consultation period is still on going and we are committed to listening to and taking on board the opinions of our local residents.
“The proposed development will bring better, more modern and efficient facilities to both those who study and work at the College as well as the local community. The improvements to the sports facilities are in response to predetermined Sport England guidelines and will remain very much open and accessible to the public. We take very seriously the opinion of our local community and will respond with positive actions to the issues raised.”
Residents say all they want is the open space left as it is for the local community to use as they wish.
Alison Moore-Gwyn, CEO, Fields in Trust said: “The sale of school and community playing fields and outdoor spaces jeopardises Britain’s longer-term sporting success and the health and enjoyment of people of all ages. It is crucial that we take this moment to safeguard our own and our children’s sporting future and wellbeing. We hope that councils will be able to look long term and see the need to act now to provide our children with somewhere to nurture the Olympic dreams sparked off by these wonderful 2012 Games: this can be done by ensuring that where development takes place, it always includes provision for recreation, sport and children’s play, as recommended by Fields in Trust’s advisory standards.”
The Barnfield Action Group are also opposed to the plans on grounds of increased traffic congestion, road safety concerns, stress on local infrastructure and intrusive light pollution, among other things.
The group’s next public meeting is at 7pm on August 23 at Bushmead Community Centre in Hancock Drive.
Visit www.barnfieldactiongroup.co.uk for more details.