How to object to the: 4.2m High Sign on Sellors Playing Field

Bloor Homes have asked if they can erect a 4.2m high sign in Sellors Playing Field (the play area

Bloors application for the sign

they would like to acquire from Ruddington Parish Council to build houses on). They want to use the board to advertise their Silk Gardens housing estate. The Silk Gardens houses are accessed via Camelot Street and are nothing to do with the land on Sellors Playing Field. The request is for a temporary board’, but it also states that it would remain in the field until 2019, which is unnecessary for advertising 14 homes which are already, in the main, sold but also not even accessible directly from Wilford Road.  This leads us to beleive that that is an ulterior motive behind this request, in preparation for the 180 houses proposed.   As the Parish Council are currently negotiating with Bloor Homes regarding Sellors Field they may not be

Plans and drawings of the sign

permitted to comment on the request which means that we, the residents must ensure we place our own objections directly to the council.  NB: The application states ‘land north of Woodhouse Gardens’ but it really means Sellors Playing Field. It has been advised that using all or some of the following terminology would add credence to objections as they are current ‘hot topics’ for council’s to consider.

1. Ruddington Gateway – the entrances to the village – in this case the sign would be more prominent than the Ruddington village sign.

2. Street scene – something that does not fit in with the area/buildings around it – in this case a sign on a children’s play area.

3. Setting a precedent – this sign would set a precedent for all developments, property sales, promotional events, etc. in the village – they’d all be expecting to get permission to advertise.

You can download an example of an objection below – we encourage you to make your objection your own and add your own opinions and use this only as guidance.

Download Document: Example Objection

Objections to this sign must be made by 1st April 2015 You can make your objection on the Rushcliffe Planing website.

PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE TO COMMENT WAS EXTENDED TO THE 28TH APRIL 2015

Sellor’s Field Play Area Under Threat

There are probably lots of Ruddington residents who, like me, have enjoyed using Sellor’s Field and play area over the years without knowing much about the land or even its name. For anyone who still isn’t sure where it is, “Sellor’s” is the tree-lined play area on the left as you travel along Wilford Road heading towards Ruddington Grange golf course. It is also the place where the annual Ruddington Wakes fair takes place.

Sellor’s Field Play Area March 2015

The land was gifted to the village as a play area and was eventually entrusted to the Parish Council in the 1940’s when all of the original trustees had passed away. When it was gifted, it was specified that the land should be set out and managed as a play area by the Parish Council, but gave the Council the freedom to allow the land to be used for other activities in addition to being a play area from time to time’ such as the Ruddington Wakes fair. The Council committed to this.

Sellor’s is hugely popular all year round with dog owners, joggers, walkers, families with young children as well as teenagers because of the mix of play equipment, football pitch and nets, park benches and open space to enjoy. The area is open to anyone, but for the hundreds of residents of Clifton Road and all avenues northwards and eastwards to Wilford Road, Sellor’s is your most local park…for now.

So it has been a surprise for many residents to learn that right now, Ruddington Parish Council is negotiating a potential ‘land swap’ with Bloor Homes that could see the entire Sellor’s park, play area, trees and benches dug up and shoved further out along Wilford Road, along with a new Village Hall.

Ruddington Parish Council have been asked if they will consult residents on the proposed ‘swap’ of the land that was gifted to the Parish and have been asked when and how they will make their decision. As yet, the Parish Council have not got around to making any plans for consulting residents.

So, if you feel moved to give the Parish Council your view on whether you think it is a fair swap or not, please write to the Parish Council office or email office@ruddingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

If you didn’t receive their leaflet through your door, you can see Bloor Homes’ plans for Sellor’s Play Area and the major proposed Wilford Road housing development online at www.wilfordroadruddington.co.uk.

Rebecca Collison (Ruddington Resident)