Local residents are up in arms that land left to the RSPCA by a wild life enthusiast was bulldozed by a property developer last week.
David Brown, of 83 Heyes Lane, died in April 2007 and, according to local residents, in his will he left his house, contents and the adjacent allotment land at Belmont Cottages to the RSPCA.
Paul Welton, of Heyes Lane, said "In his will the late David Brown left his house and the allotment land to the RSPCA to remain undeveloped and left for the wildlife. How is it that the RSPCA could have sold this to a global developer against David's wishes?
"They have now stripped the land, felling mature trees including oaks which were the homes to nesting birds and wildlife. These houses and land have been here for nearly 200 years and have always been the home to a variety of wildlife.
"No notices or warnings of this action was served to any of the neighouring community who are united in their devastation of this act. The Council failed to intervene when 2 years ago on a visit to the site they promised us that this allotment land would be retained as a green space in accordance with the late David Brown's wishes."
Paul added "The ground is now flattened and just mud, ready for building - although no plans have been put in as yet. This is not what David wanted and against his wishes in his will. I phoned councillors and Jones Homes but no one came. Do we not count or have a say any more?"
Kaz Baildon said "This piece of land has been a wilderness for many years and was formerly gifted to the RSPCA I think - lots of old trees, birds and other wildlife. The bulldozers moved in and raised it all to the ground. I am devastated for all the birds who nested there and the lovely old trees which have simply been felled. All in a day!"
Julie Richards added "It's an absolute disgrace that this has happened. Even more shocking that David Brown left a will with his wishes for the land to be left for animal use only and not to be built on. Shocking, disgusting. My only wish now is that enough objections to these developers plans will stop any building work going ahead. The skyline has totally changed due to the demolition.
"These developers must be challenged.... they can't just come into our neighbourhoods with there heavy machines churning up our private roads. Taking more green space. Not even a notice to say they were coming to demolish this site."
Cheshire East Council has confirmed that they received an enforcement complaint regarding this land at Belmont Cottages which has been investigated. No planning applications have been received recently for this site and none of the trees which have been removed were protected.
We have been unable to obtain a comment from the developer at the time of going to print but hope to have further information about their plans for the site shortly.
Update: To view a selection of photos taken by neighbouring residents of the site previously click 'next photo' above or play the slideshow.
Comments
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They have desacrated this wonderfull rural sanctuary of wild life and left it looking ugly.
They so called developers should be made put this special place back the way it was before greed got in the way
"The dedication of large areas of open space for public use and the implementation of substantial landscaping schemes not only enhances each new development but also provides a significant contribution to the overall appearance of the neighbourhoods in which we live."
Here's a challenge to Jones Homes. Put your money where your mouth is, show that you can be good neighbours to the community that hosts your business, and restore this site to a state as close as possible to what it was before you destroyed it.
"good" of local residents.
David Browns last wishes obviously did not matter to them at all. Its appalling
The lovely landscape & village feel has been obliterated. I'm sure this is not what David would have wanted.