Inquiry into village green dispute

A PUBLIC inquiry will be held at Warrington into a long-running dispute over the future of a “green oasis” which local residents believe should be designated a village green.
Plans were approved four years ago for more than 50 affordable homes on the site, known locally as Cartwright’s Field, off Chester Road and Montclaire Crescent, Stockton Heath.
But they have never been implemented because of a campaign by more than 200 local residents who claim the land should be a village green because it has been used regularly by the public since at least 1947.
A four-day inquiry, presided over by an independent barrister, will be held at the Pyramid Arts Centre, Warrington, starting on April 16.
The final decision will be made by the borough council, acting on the advice of the barrister.
A storm broke more than four years ago when the borough council agreed to sell the field to Warrington Housing Association for a nominal £1.
This meant the council would secure £3.7 million from the Housing Corporation for the provision of affordable homes.
Local resident Phil McConnell launched an action group to fight the proposals but the council subsequently granted planning consent for 51 houses, despite opposition from the residents and Stockton Heath Parish Council.
Residents claimed the field had been used for informal recreation, dog walking, a children’s play area, etc., since shortly after World War 2 and could qualify for village green status. More than 70 people have made statements saying they used the field regularly from 1947 onwards.
But the borough council caused more anger when it fenced the field off at a cost of £18,000.
Mr McConnell says the site has become even more of a wildlife haven since it was fenced off in 2009.
Stockton Heath Parish Council will be represented at the inquiry, supporting the residents’ application for village green status.
Pictured: Campaigners at Cartwright’s Field.