Plymouth City Council has rejected controversial plans to build five houses on Wilmot Gardens after councillors were visibly moved by heartfelt objections from local residents.
Only two members of the planning committee, Labour Councillors Angela Penrose and Paul McNamara, voted in favour of the scheme. All other members sided with residents who spoke passionately to protect their much loved community green space in Crownhill.
The application, submitted by Classic Builders (SW) Ltd, was recommended for approval by council planning officer Macauley Potter. He acknowledged it would result in a significant loss of open space and admitted that it did not comply with planning policy DEV27.
Local resident Matt Fleming addressing the committee described the land as a vital community space. His moving speech was met with quiet agreement from several councillors. He explained how the community had installed a shared bench on the land and worked together to keep the area clean and welcoming.
Kate Ashbrook, General Secretary of the Open Spaces Society, had urged the committee to reject what she called a “monstrous proposal”.
Today’s decision follows a High Court ruling in May which overturned the council’s earlier approval of the same development. The court sided with campaigners who had argued that the city failed to apply its own policies correctly.
Councillors recently blocked another housing scheme on a green space in Mary Dean Avenue, Tamerton Foliot. Residents say they hope Plymouth Council is now listening to communities across the city.
Local campaigners say they will now explore options to secure permanent protection for Wilmot Gardens to prevent further development proposals and a further 'chainsaw massacre' in Plymouth.
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