A campaign group that fought to protect a beloved conservation area have said they are 'pleased' after Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet reached a unanimous decision to prevent its sale to a football club in Kidderminster.
Friends of Burlish Meadows say they are 'happy' that the 'correct' decision was made by the Wyre Forest District Council cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday (October 21) evening.
Councillors at the meeting voted unanimously in favour of retaining Burlish Country Park in Wyre Forest District Council's ownership following discussions surrounding the proposed disposal of approximately 8.5 hectares following a proposal from Kidderminster Harriers Football Club.
Following the decision, the campaign group thanked the cabinet for listening to the 'many voices of objection' from the local community, with this including the 650 objections that the council received during the statutory notice period.
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The group was also keen to thank the community for its support, as well as partners, Stourport Civic Society, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and West Midlands Butterfly & Moth Society, for their help and input in fighting the successful campaign.
Jason Kernohan, Chairman of Friends of Burlish Meadows, said: “I am pleased that, having looked at all the relevant information submitted during the consultation period, the Cabinet have followed the Consultation Report’s recommendation and voted not to sell 21 per cent of Burlish Meadows.
“Friends of Burlish Meadows would also like to state that they support Kidderminster Harriers aims to bring accessible sport to the local community and hope they find a more suitable location to be able to realise their plans in future.”
Earlier this year, Kidderminster Harriers Football Club approached the Council with a proposal to purchase approximately 8.5 hectares of land next to its training ground.
In July, cabinet agreed to consider the proposal and undertake the statutory process required for the potential disposal of public open space land.
This included giving the public the opportunity to comment on or object to the proposed disposal.
The decision was only to consider the proposal in principle and complete the required statutory process.
No decision was made at that stage to sell the land.
During the statutory notice period, the council received 656 responses: 650 objections, three in support of the proposal and three enquiries.
These responses highlighted the importance of Burlish Country Park as a valued community asset, providing opportunities for recreation, leisure, wellbeing and access to nature.
A petition set up by Friends of Burlish Meadows to block the proposed disposal also received nearly 4,500 signatures.
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