Town in Norwich Fights to Save Wildlife Haven

LISA HORTON, Norwich Evening News, United Kingdom

Families living near an area thriving with wildlife and age-old trees today hoped city planners would make an 11th-hour decision to save the haven on their doorstep.

The area of wilderness is due to be levelled and landscaped as part of a property development.

But campaigners say the plans will destroy an area of natural beauty which is home to oak, ash, gorse and horse chestnut trees and wildlife including birds and foxes.

The half-acre of land in question is next to The Loke footpath between Dereham Road and Ranworth Road. While lumberjacks have already started chopping down trees, people living nearby are making a last-ditch attempt to save the land before it is lost forever. However, developers and the city council say the area will be vastly improved.

The site is set to be levelled and replanted with flowerbeds and new trees by developers Bovis Homes, but it is feared the land will lose its charm and character.

Volker Grube, 45, a builder who has lived in nearby Tolhouse Road for 10 years, said: “It has taken these trees about 35 years to reach the stage they are at now and it will take a long time to grow new trees. I think they are worried they will block the sunlight for the new homes. Once it is landscaped there will be no variety, no natural character.”

Developer Bovis was unavailable for comment today.

A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council said: “It was agreed as part of the planning permission that the area in question would be redeveloped as an informal public open space and to make this space accessible.

“The original area was overgrown, inaccessible and littered with rubbish.

“The developers have submitted proposals for improving this public open space and city council landscape architects and tree officers will be considering these details over the coming weeks.”

Are you battling to save a wildlife haven which is under threat? Telephone Evening News reporter Lisa Horton on (01603) 765704 or email lisa.horton@archant.co.uk