DEVELOPMENTS AT ST. PAUL'S

Dear Editor,

Had it not been for Ian Wishart's reports in the Leicester Mercury, none of us would have known about St Paul's withdrawing its objection to a planning application for the development of land owned by Leicester Grammar School. The Council has also withdrawn its objection. St Paul's actively campaigned for support from residents concerning the sale of Leicester Grammar School; and held a public meeting outlining their plans for future development, including:
“We would develop Evington Hall as a resource for the local community …”
“Our near neighbours on Landscape Drive would not be overlooked or disturbed.”
“…put cars rather than children in the fenced courts. This would lessen the noise level for our neighbours on Spencefield Lane.”
“We would develop a Multi Use Games Area … to our neighbour schools, Oaklands Special School and Whitehall Primary.”
St Paul's original objections included:
“There would be serious health and safety issues arising from residential properties and children sharing access to the site.”
“Children's privacy would be compromised as they engaged in normal daily recreational routines and PE lessons. Houses would be built only feet away from classrooms.”
“Wildlife would be disturbed.”
These indisputable issues now cease to exist as far as St Paul's and the Council are concerned, making a mockery of their original objections to the planning application.
Consequently: Evington Hall will not be a resource for the local community; it will be converted to apartments. Neighbours on Landscape Drive, Spencefield Lane, Oaklands and Whitehall schools - will be overlooked by new properties. Children and residents will share access to the site – with potential serious health and safety issues. Children's privacy will be compromised owing to the close proximity of houses being built only feet away from classrooms. Wildlife will have to look for a new, undisturbed natural habitat. What a sham St Paul's campaign has turned out to be.

Sue Massey