Handside Ward - Heritage Buildings Still Under Threat

Written by Tony Skottowe and published in Handside Focus on Sun 5th Mar 2006

Despite the huge number of objections, some 205 in all, from residents, which caused the developers to withdraw their application on the day of the hearing, the Cowper Cottages and surrounding area remain at risk from profit hungry property developers. The reaction of Handside people, and those just on the other side of the railway in the Reddings, was a lesson for all of us in what we can achieve if we really set our minds to it.

Although all the ward councillors opposed the scheme, Tony Skottowe was the only one free to take action and, with the help of a few outraged residents who helped deliver 600 letters, he was able to warn most of the northern part of the ward of the dangers posed, and how best to make their objections really count.

"The response was truly remarkable", said Tony, "offers of help came in thick and fast. A few folk were so angry they were genuinely ready to man the barricades if the applications were allowed". Happily for all concerned in Handside the Planning Department were equally damning and recommended rejection. But BEWARE! The developers have not finished yet; they have already said they will revise their plans and try again. Ideas for ways of protecting the cottages and the surrounding land are being worked on, but it is not easy to keep undesirable developments out. Please be ready for action!