Newport store bid site used for sheer pleasure
A field in Newport is used by residents for 'sheer pleasure' and should not be developed into a giant supermarket, a public inquiry has heard.
Retired teacher Carol Murphy described green land off Station Road in Newport as 'popular' and 'stunningly beautiful'. She was speaking at the planning inquiry, which opened yesterday in the town, to determine whether or not the area should be turned into a village green.
Resident John Rudd made the application to re-classify the land in an attempt to block plans for a 50,000 sq ft Sainsbury's supermarket on the site.
The land is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council which opposes the village green bid. The authority stands to gain £21 million in land sales if the supermarket is built.
If the village green application is successful the land would be forever protected from development.
Mrs Murphy, who is a member of Heart of England In Bloom, said she had worked with Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Wildlife Trust over the past 20 years to make the area beautiful.
She said: "This is an area used for sheer pleasure. It's an area that is absolutely stunning and one that changes so wonderfully throughout the seasons.
"So many groups, including the local authority, have worked hard to make it what it is today. And what a difference we have made.
"More than 30,000 bulbs have been planted, specimen trees, native primroses and wild flowers. In spring time we have people come from far and wide to look at what truly is a beautiful area."
The public inquiry is at the Royal Victoria Hotel, in St Mary's Street. An evening session will take place tonight from 6pm until 8pm.
