Letter: Article 4 Direction Is Great News for Wanborough

Published on: 17 Feb, 2018
Updated on: 17 Feb, 2018

From Tony Rooth

Conservative borough councillor for Pilgrims ward (which includes Wanborough)

The Article 4 Direction for Wanborough Fields now requires owners of the land to obtain planning permission for erection of fences, gates, walls and any other means of enclosure, temporary buildings and temporary uses of the land.

Blue marker shows position of Wanborough Fields.

This is great news for Wanborough and adjoining communities. The direction will give some protection to the beautiful rolling countryside stretching down from the Hog’s Back to Wanborough and Christmas Pie and also stresses the need to safeguard our AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and AGLV (Area of Great Landscape Value) landscapes.

The signatures to the e-petition had risen to 475 by the time the direction was granted. 500 signatures would have triggered a full council debate so the petition became a very important tool in persuading the council to make the right decision and sooner than previously anticipated.

The credit belongs to Mary Adkins, the driving force behind the campaign and the e-petition and to all residents, friends and family for their kind support.