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Barn Owl Mural Fights Village Development Plan
22 Oct
Summary
- A large barn owl mural was unveiled to protect local green space.
- The grassland site is earmarked for 102 homes, a school, and nursery.
- Campaigners fear future development despite current no-build assurances.
A striking mural of a barn owl has been unveiled in Hadfield, Derbyshire, as a symbolic stand against potential development of the Roughfields green space. This natural area, featuring grassland and football pitches, is designated in High Peak Borough Council's Local Plan for 102 homes, a school, and a nursery.
Campaigners from the Save Roughfields group, established in December 2020, are concerned that this allocation could lead to housing development in the future. While the council states there are no current proposals to build, the group fears for the site's long-term security.
The mural, painted by artist Richard Preston, overlooks the land used by locals for recreation. Roughfields was designated an Asset of Community Value in 2023, granting the community a chance to bid if it were to be sold. However, this status expires in 2028, intensifying campaigners' worries.
High Peak Borough Council deputy leader Damien Greenhalgh acknowledged the site's importance and the community's pride, as demonstrated by the mural. He reassured residents that there are currently no plans to develop Roughfields, emphasizing ongoing investment in local park improvements.
