Objections growing to country park plans

MORE THAN 1800 people have signed a petition objection to plans for a 77-acre business site on land next to Watermead Country Park that developers say would create 918 jobs and generate millions of pounds for the local economy.

Developer Wanlip Holdings Ltd says the development, between Birstall and Thurmaston, will provide 70,600m2 of employment space, including offices, service yards and parking, on almost 77 acres.

The site lies to the east of John Mer- rick’s Lake and would be accessed by the roundabout near the Hope & Anchor pub.

Those objecting are highlighting the loss of habitat and wildlife, and increased pollution.

One enthusiastic visitor to the country park is Brendon Brockway, and he sent us his reaction to the plans: in hand, I was panicking as the lens was too big and the otter was too close, I could hear myself say “damn” as this was an opportunity missed but guess what, the otter gods were on my side, it had turned around and as it drew level with me dived and then resurfaced about 25 to 30 feet away where it rested its head on the water.

As a regular user of Watermead Country Park and a keen photographer, I can often be found taking pictures of the local flora and fauna. The parks plant and wildlife are gifts that continue to amaze me.

I have a few favourite places that I always return to, some are in plain sight, and a few are off the beaten track. One spot that’s just perfect for just stretching out and watching the world go by is near the old bird hide. Here I’ve watched kingfishers dive for bounty, cormorants nesting and feeding their young and little egrets performing acrobatics.

I couldn’t tell if the otter was looking at me with contempt or in disbelief that someone had dared to disturb it while it was hunting. Then suddenly it noise and dust. It is likely that once they were up and running, the operation of the facilities will be around the clock 24/7. The result of this will affect the in Leicestershire.

You can nominate Watermead at:

Best Day Out (goleicestershire.com)

Otters are listed as a rare and most threatened species and there is legislation that has been designed specifically to protect them.

Let’s not let the developers drive our otters away.

Julie Palmer, a Birstall Borough Cllr, said: “You may be aware of the proposed development to build warehouses that encroach on Watermead Park land. The park is an oasis of calm in an otherwise highly developed area and it can do without further pressure from building work and increased traffic.

“I and many others are extremely concerned that it will disrupt the tranquil nature of Watermead and drive away some of the rare species of animal life found here. Please join our campaign to save Watermead’s character by signing the petition and following the links and advice suggested by Brendon.”

In the same spot, I had recently spotted Muntjac deer crossing the waters and I’d returned to see if I could get a few shots.

Things were on the quiet side and the light was fading, so I decided to pack up. I had just seen some coots panicking and scattering across the water when I suddenly realised why. As I stood up, there was a sudden movement in the water and from around the corner, I heard a whoosh and then I saw it. For a split second, I thought “what’s that” and then I realised it was an otter. This welcome visitor glided past me. Camera lifted its head, hissed, turned, and dived and was gone.

I walked home feeling honoured that I had encountered nature in its fullest sense, a truly wild animal in a habitat that supports it.

Since my encounter, I’ve caught sight of an otter on another four occasions, once for a split-second while in the same spot, twice in the River Soar and once by the car park at the top of King Lear’s Lake.

Prior to this, I’d heard a couple of people say that otters had been seen up by King Lear’s Lake, but I’d never seen one and, to be honest, I’d thought it would never happen.

But why does this matter?

I learned recently that there has been a proposal to develop land adjacent to Watermead that would see, if granted, the development of 70,600 square metres of warehouses for storage and distribution. The warehouses will be built right up to the canal alongside John Merrick’s Lake, finishing parallel with the car park at King Lear’s Lake.

If approved, the development of the site will involve the disruption and destruction of surrounding land and lakes, heavy construction traffic and ensuing balance and tranquil nature of the park which is likely to be transformed forever.

Not only does Watermead support so much wildlife, it also provides a release for so many people; it was a valuable lifeline during the pandemic and continues to contribute to the health and wellbeing of so many. Its importance must never be underestimated.

But what can you do?

If you haven’t already done so, you can do one or more of the following:

Sign the petition at:

Say no to warehouses around Watermead Country Park! | 38 Degrees

Get in touch with Charnwood Borough Councils Planning Department and let them know that you’re not happy.

Get in touch with your local Ward Councillor and say NO TO DEVELOPMENT.

Get in touch with your local Member of Parliament (Edward Argar MP).

And lastly, there’s currently a competition being run by Go Leicestershire, who are asking the public to name their favourite local attraction in Leicestershire as part of the Leicestershire Promotions Tourism and Hospitality Awards. Let’s make Watermead the best day out

To the north of the A46, a new wetland is proposed by the developer to mitigate the loss of open water habitat on the site. The developer says: “This will not only secure a new area of wetland with associated structural planting measures, it will also secure the extension of the wetland habitats associated with this part of the Soar Valley, but also reinforce the landscape setting to the north of the A46 and provide accessible greenspace connected to the Grand Union Canal corridor.”

The planning application details can be read on the planning pages of Charnwood Borough Council, where you can submit comments. The reference is P/23/0668/2.

Pics: Brendon’s photos taken in the park show an otter, Muntjac deer, a heron and an owl

Roofing & Building