‘Protect Ruddington’ was informally established by a group of Ruddington residents in March 2015 in direct response to the proposed development of 180 houses on and around Sellors’ Playing Field on Wilford Road and plans to relocate this recreational area AND our village hall onto further Green Belt land. After weeks of frustration and the recent huge number of objections to the large development proposed off Asher Lane, it is evident that the residents of Ruddington are in the main AGAINST development within the village. However the actions and behaviour of the developers – and learning that the Parish Council had a vested interest in this Wilford Road build happening – made it very clear that there was nobody truly representing or willing to consult with the community on these matters.
Unfortunately the overarching Rushcliffe Strategic Plan dictates that several hundred houses must be built in Ruddington, so one of Protect Ruddington’s agenda’s is to suggest better and more appropriate places to fulfill the remaining quota of houses, in areas which would hopefully appease all residents, regardless which end of Ruddington they live.
Protect Ruddington encourages Ruddington residents to comment on content and provide their opinion. Please note that all personal comments are the responsibility of the author and not this website.
Protect Ruddington 
I would encourage everyone to protest to Rushcliffe Borough Council about Bloor Homes proposal to erect a very large sign on Wilford Road. This is to advertise their small Silk Gardens site around one mile away.
But they want it sited on the field where they propose to build another 180 properties and originally asked to leave it there until 2019. This has caused concern amongst the local residents.
The large sign alone (4.2metres high) will detract from the picturesque views on this Gateway to Ruddington and could be made worse if further protest signs were to be erected,
The farmers field has already been turned into a muddy mess due to the crops on the proposed building site having been sprayed and killed.
So anyone who cares about our village should oppose the erection of this sign and any future efforts by Bloor Homes to take away our beautiful Green Belt and the wildlife which makes use of it.
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An update on the situation with the Farmers field.
Everyone will recall how in March the farmers crops were killed off in the field where Bloor Homes propose to build their houses. The area can be clearly seen as one travels down Wilford Road and the situation is recorded on many photographs. The area was turned into a muddy and barren field.
In late April some vegetation began to reappear and we hoped that at least we would eventually see something growing if only grass, weeds and a few wild flowers. As this would provide some food for birds and a habitat for wildlife.
Many birds did return and we saw Lapwings in the field, the first time for a few years.
Unfortunately those hopes have now been dashed.
For about three weeks the vegetation grew but then died leaving an unsightly mess.
It is obvious that the vegetation killer used by the farmer is long lasting, preventing further growth of any sort. It also spread onto the field margins which are left uncultivated to encourage bird and wildlife.
It looks as if we will be left with the muddy or barren mess until a decision is made on the Bloor Homes project.
This tactic was completely unnecessary, it has destroyed the attractive appearance of this entry into Ruddington and more importantly taken away a much needed habitat for birds and wildlife.
It was a completely senseless act.
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Some further observations on the farmers field over the period of the last 43 years.
Most of this time crops have been grown in a three year cycle, wheat, barley and then rape.
Rape has taken the place of fallow years as it is a crop that helps prevent soil erosion and its blanket effect prevents weed growth. Apart from when there has been serious flooding all these crops have done well. The bottom field seems to have matched the top field in its production.
This year rape was sown in both fields and in February was progressing well in both.
That was when the rape in the bottom field (Proposed Development Area) was sprayed and killed off.
This seemed to be a pointless act, not only did it ruin the rape but destroyed the habitat for birds and wildlife and left an unsightly mess.
I would like to see whoever authorised this destruction to come onto this website and justify their actions.
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I oppose the erection of a huge sign on the edge of our lovely village,For four year’s it will be a eyesore,Also if developer’s want to build more home’s in our village They should think of the over crowded school’s and doctor’s,
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Hi Doris, thanks for your comment – please ensure you make you objections directly to the Borough Council to ensure they are counted. Thanks
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How do we show support the building of these new homes
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Should the application be made you will have the opportunity to comment in whichever way you like.
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Latest update on the farmers field Wilford Rd.
Originally last Autumn the whole field was sown and crops were growing successfully.
Then in February the crops on the area on which Bloors propose to build was poisoned leaving the field a mess.
Weeds and wild flowers began to grow but soon died off due to the poison being long lasting.
By July weeds and wild flowers appeared again and seemed to be thriving making the field more presentable.
But in early August, again they have been sprayed with poison leaving another mess.
The consequence of all this activity is that on the area of the field outside the building project crops have been grown successfully.
On the area on which Bloors would like to build, neither crops or other vegetation has been allowed to grow, leaving that section of the field an unsightly mess.
People must draw their own conclusions as to why this has happened.
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Looks like the Council have already made a decision……..have their pockets been well and truly lined I wonder?
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Parish Meeting on 8 September: residents expressed well argued and thought through objections to the sale of Sellors Field and ideas to fund a new Village Hall. Even the County Councillor could not understand the haste of the RPC in trying to force through the sale. Nevertheless the Parish Councillors voted for the sale. Only one objected, Marion Pell actually had listened to her constituents and came to the meeting with their thoughts. The rest had made up their minds before the meeting and we’re just going through the motions.
Councillor Nick Tegerdine in his statement to the meeting also said that they wanted to move the Parish Council Offices to the new Village Hall. So, with this Parish Council, we will have a Parish Council office in a new village hall outside the village boundary and half way to Wilford! Nothing about this was mentioned in the “consultation” document.
We have ourselves to blame I think. We should have been more willing to stand for election to the Parish Council. As so few put their names forward in May, these councillors got in by default. Hopefully, we will have learned our lesson next time.
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In your introductory passage about a planning application you mentioned SELLOR’S FIELD. Sorry to be so pedantic but it is not a field of Sellor. The man who gave the land was Frederick SELLORS. I wouldn’t like this incorrect punctuation to be carried forward to other articles.
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Noticed today that the field adjacent to Sellack Field has been ploughed. I wonder why?
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I meant Sellars Field of course. Sorry!
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This time the field has been deep ploughed which has not been seen for many years. Let’s hope that this means it will be farmed for many years to come and that Bloors have at last realised that it is an area completely unsuitable for their houses.
Long live the Green Belt and Sellors Field.
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I am following these arguments “mainly” against development in Ruddington, especially in Sellors Field. Micheal Hollands seems to the leading this campaign. Whilst I understand the feelings of fellow residents of Ruddington, the Rushcliffe strategic plan needs new homes. What is Protect Ruddington going to do? It is alright objecting to the proposed plans, but what if this was imposed?
What we do not want is Ruddington to be a ghost “village” where no new people can live here. The shortage of houses will invariably push up house prices. Yes, I here you say, good for my investment. But will our children afford to buy and live in the “village” they grew up in? My grandson might never be able to afford to live here when he grows up.
So whilst we have a right to object about developments are we going to bury our collective heads and let the county impose development on us. Any suggestions Michael?
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Hi Gary – thanks for your comments. On behalf of the Protect Ruddington group of residents I would just like to make it clear that unless explicitly clear any one individual’s comments are not necessarily the opinion of the wider group. Each member has their own views and reasons for joining the fight – like you many are concerned about the precedent this set for the future of Ruddington and our friends and families. We are simply a group of residents who have a common goal, there is no leader as such. I am not in a position to answer any of your questions on everyone’s behalf at this time but what I can say is that the group is doing its best to support the views of many Ruddington residents on the matter. Please do keep following, also you can sign up to receive email updates. Thank you.
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Thanks for your comments Gary they are very welcome.
In no way am I the leader of a campaign and I am expressing my own views. I have never regarded this issue to be one that could increase my investment.
There is a concern that development on this flood area could give us drainage problems. I think that the RBC also have concerns about developing this narrow stretch of Green Belt as it separates Ruddington from the City, to the benefit of all Ruddington residents. And is home to a considerable selection of wildlife.
As regards Sellors’ field the objection is obvious, it was Covenanted to the Village by a generous benefactor and is well used and appreciated by the locals who use it. It serves the North end of the village, is a safe area for children to play and they do not want it sold for profit and moved away.
As regards the lack of housing nationally I do not have the answer and no recents Governments have either. Maybe bring empty properties into use, there are some in Ruddington.
The Strategic Plan does allocate Rushcliffe a certain number of properties to built. And they have allocated a calculated amount of them to different villages around the Borough. I am not sure how these allocations were made, but Government legislation does state that if a proposed area is genuinely unsuitable then an alternative must be found wherever it is in the Borough.
Your further comments would be very welcome
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We have all witnessed the tragic flooding in the North, if that torrential rain had fallen 80 miles to the South , Ruddington would have received it.
No doubt the bulk of the water would have been absorbed by the Green Belt areas and Sellors Field.
Had these areas already been developed by Bloors with their tiny collection ponds, with that amount of rain the North area of Ruddington could have been flooded.
So local Councils, please take note, your decisions on developing these areas are critical.
Peoples lives and property are more important than offers of money.
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Please note the current floods have been caused by higher than average rainfall throughout the year. As a result the rivers has overflowed. I am in Yorkshire at the moment. In no way the flooding caused by the river Aire could have been prevented. The scene is utter devastation. To compare this devastation affecting the whole of the Aire valley with an area of land for 180 houses is irresponsible! Just let’s stick to the facts .
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Dear Gary
I have great sympathy for those who are flooded in Yorkshire, I have relatives in Rochdale who are flooded.
I am not comparing Ruddington to that, it is not Rivers that are the problem here.
Heavy rain has caused problems here due to the high water table level, but a deep ploughed field helps to overcome it.
I hate to think how Bloors ponds would have coped with the amount of rain Yorks/Lancs received.
Your comments are welcome, please keep them coming
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I defy anybody who are reasonably computer literate, to access and reply to the consultation document about the local plan. Perhaps it is a deliberate ploy by the council to make it so difficult. It is enough to make one lose the will to live.
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You are right, it’s awful but it’s all we have to work with!
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