Objection to plan for veterans’ centre
PLANNING: Plans to build a veterans’ village for exservicemen and women on open space on the outskirts of Hull look set to be referred to the Secretary of State following an objection from Sports England.
Councillors in Hull are being recommended to approve the plans on the part of the site within the Hull boundary.
PLANS TO build a veterans’ village for ex-servicemen and women on open space on the outskirts of Hull look set to be referred to the Secretary of State following an objection from Sports England.
Councillors in Hull are being recommended to approve the plans for lodges and family housing, workshops, glasshouses and polytunnels and a multiuse games area, on the part of the 24-acre site which falls within the Hull boundary, a recently listed asset of community value.
Although the plans by the Hull 4 Heroes charity have had public backing, including from Hull Council’s deputy leader Daren Hale, they have attracted over three times as many letters of objection as support.
Residents have expressed concerns about the loss of open space, trees and impact on wildlife, ranging from deer and foxes, to herons, newts and ducks.
The site – the majority of which is owned by Hull Council – also saw flooding in 2007 and 2019.
Several mention the impact developing the site would have on their mental health, with one commenting: “It’s a lovely place to have on my doorstep and I’d be gutted to lose it.” Another said it had become even more important in lockdown, adding: “Nobody ever saw the recent global pandemic heading our way, and for this space to be lost to development would be a great loss for the community.”
One objector said their home suffered tens of thousands of pounds damage during the last severe flooding.
The resident added: “This development is protecting itself by building on stilts, but that does not help the current residents.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has also raised concerns about the impact on rare ancient grassland at Priory Meadows, which contains orchids and rare ferns. Those in support say veterans who have served the country, and lost limbs in defence of it, should have prioritised housing.
“We have too many of our veterans living on our streets,” was one comment.
The part of the site within the Hull boundary, off Coronation Road North, formerly Setting
The benefit to public health ...justifies a decision to approve.
Hull City Council planning officers say the plan for the village should be approved.
Dyke School and later a council training centre, is earmarked for 48 homes, ranging from single storey lodges through to fourbedroom family homes.
The plans state that they will “offer the opportunity for shared living, providing a support network through mentoring” and provide housing to 100 ex-Service personnel and their families.
A key aim is to involve veterans in the construction process to help build skills and confidence.
The report says no assessment has been carried out to show the land – which currently accommodates an informal five-a-side football facility – is surplus to requirements. Although the plans include a “better quality” multiuse games area, they do not provide “equivalent or better open space on the land within Hull Council’s administrative area”.
A report to councillors, who are due to meet on June 3, concludes that the benefit to health and well-being the site should deliver “justifies a decision to approve despite its conflict” with the open space policy.
But it also states: “There is an outstanding objection from Sports England regarding the loss of playing fields which if not resolved will require the application to be referred to the Secretary of State.”