NORTON NURSERY IS NOT A DERELICT SITE. CLICK THE PHOTOGRAPH TO SEE THE NURSERY AS IT CURRENTLY LOOKS
STOP PRESS... LIB/DEMS RAISE OBJECTIONS AT COUNCIL. MEG MUNN MEETS FOGP
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South Yorkshire Forest Tree Planting Scheme
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WE HAVE NOTHING AGAINST ST LUKE'S AND HAVE SUGGESTED SEVERAL MORE SUITABLE SITES FOR THEIR HOSPICE
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10 years ago we fought a similar battle when the City Council attempted to sell Norton Nursery to developers. They were forced to back down under an onslaught of local protest and intervention by the Charity Commission.
They obviously now feel that there is a loophole in the covenants that JG Graves imposed to protect the land from development when he gifted it to us as public parkland in perpetuity.
The situation is grave indeed. Our understanding is that the hospice would take the entire area occupied by the nursery along with the reclaimed ecological area plus further land from the park. A new road would bring unwelcome traffic to the area, exiting through the local housing estate.
THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST STEP.
Already we hear of possible further development involving 2 other hospices relocating to the site and requiring further loss of public parkland. Once established further expansion of the facilities would be impossible to resist.
WE MUST STOP THIS DEVELOPMENT NOW. JOIN THE FRIENDS OF GRAVES PARK AND TOGETHER WE CAN PROTECT THE PARK FROM THE DEVELOPERS.
On Tuesday, 17 April an open public meeting was held at Norton Free School. Because of the numbers who attended many had to be turned away.
A vote was taken on whether or not to oppose the hospice development within the park.
The vote was 204 to oppose the development, 1 in favour, 2 abstentions.
BUT STILL THEY ARE PRESSING AHEAD
On 21st May surveyors turned up to map the area in anticipation of the development going ahead.
IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO BUILD IN GRAVES PARK NONE OF OUR WOODLANDS, PARKS & OPEN SPACES ARE SAFE!
Graves Park is Sheffield's largest Park and occupies over 200 acres on the southern edge of the city. The area is historic parkland and has existed as such for around 1000 years. It was saved from development by Alderman J.G.Graves, one of the city's major benefactors, who purchased the land between 1926 and 1936, and gifted it to the people of Sheffield as parkland forever.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of landscapes within the park. Attractions include a rare breeds centre and animal farm, lakes where exotic waterfowl can be seen, a cafe and children's play area, and many sports facilities. There are large areas of mature woodland where squirrels and wild birds can be observed from the footpaths.
Although covenants exist which restrict the use of the land to public parkland, this has not prevented attempts to plunder parts for other purposes.
Friends of Graves Park is a registered charity whose aims are:
* to assist other trusts with interests in enhancing and maintaining the park for leisure, education and conservation, in conjunction with the local community.
* to preserve the flora and fauna for the benefit and enjoyment of park users.
The Friends of Graves Park have already prevented 7 acres of parkland, formerly used by Sheffield Council as a plant nursery, from being sold to developers. With the help of the public we hope to safeguard all of Graves Park for future generations.
Rare Breeds Centre and Animal Farm.
Click on the cattle below for details
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friends@gravespark.org.
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Copyright © 2002 Friends of Graves Park