Development next to country park

A BUSINESS site is planned for land next to Watermead Country Park.

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

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

The developer says that 918 jobs would be created and that the site would generate £1.1m in business rates per annum.

To the north of the A46, a new wetland is proposed 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.”

Objections to the plans are already being submitted to Charnwood Borough Council. One stated: “This is a major intrusion into a valuable wetland habitat that supports a wide variety of interconnecting wetland and grassland species.”

Another said: “There are already land grabs with warehouses built in Thurmaston. A bit here, a bit there, and before we know it, nature is gone. Wildlife is depleted in the city, and taking their space and havens just has to stop. We are in a climate emergency and need to like the air that we breathe and mental health.”

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

The Sept issue of the MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Sept 15. The copy deadline is Sept 1.

The Mountsorrel Educational Fund is part of the Mountsorrel United Charities and awards grants to young people up to the age of 25 living in the village to assist them in pursuing their education.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is empathetic, caring & considerate, respectful & non-judgemental

• Has experience of education or finance.

• Can commit to attending and participating in two meetings a year

Mountsorrel Educational Fund Trustee role description:

Trustees need to be willing and able to:

• Attend two meetings a year, usually in May & October

• Read and digest grant application information

• Understand basic financial information

• Challenge policy and procedure in a tactful manner

• Bring their skills, knowledge & experience as local residents to the table

• Maintain confidentiality

• Respect the views of others around the table

• Confirm they are not excluded from acting as a charity trustee

To apply, you should email your CV and covering letter to the Chair, Sandra Utteridge at sandra.utteridge@ntlworld.com

Closing date is Friday 30th June 2023