Fund Raising Hits Target! Part of the Land Between Albion Crescent & Albion Close

Thanks to everyone who has so generously contributed to the LLRA fundraising to protect the “green portion” of Lot 2. That’s the wilder areas of the land between top of Albion Close and Albion Crescent, the area through which the tarmac footpath runs. See below for plan.

The £6,500 target has now been hit and LLRA will now proceed with the planned purchase.

What an amazing response from our brilliant community.

Thank you also, to all those who have offered to contribute additional sums if needed. This will hopefully not be necessary, but it is still reassuring to know that, if we are hit with a nasty surprise on legal costs then this wouldn’t derail the purchase.

What Happens Now?

The legal aspects of the purchase will take some weeks, but once completed the land will be gifted to LGMC to maintain in its current state in perpetuity. As well as a covenant to this effect being placed in the title deeds of the land, LLRA are also seeking for the land to be protected in the local plan. We are awaiting guidance from local planners on the details, but it could potentially be classified as part of the ecological network of Long Leys.

What Happens to the “Blue” Portion of Land Sold for Building?

Now LLRA are buying the land, the developer knows what areas they must work with and will produce designs and apply for planning permission. Whilst there can’t be total certainty until plans are available, LLRA assumes that:

• The northern (top) part of the land will be used to build two homes, potentially a two-bedroomed bungalow and a three-bedroom bungalow.
• The planning application would include a request to divert the top part of the adopted path. LLRA have marked its anticipated path route on the plan overleaf (yellow dotted line). The middle and bottom part of the path will remain unchanged in any event.
• The most likely use of the bottom (southern) portion of the blue area would be as a small growing area (allotment), linked to one of the new homes.

Feedback from those living nearby indicate that the above is a broadly acceptable solution. In any event nearby homes would be consulted on any planning application and have the right to file comments or objections if they disagree with the development plans. LLRA will always encourage developers to enter early dialogue with the community so any specific concerns can be addressed before any application is made. This would include considerate construction practice (site operating timings, material storage areas, parking for sub-contractors etc).

If you have any queries on this please email LLRA@long-leys.org