Long Leys Residents Association (LLRA) continues, with your help, to seek ways to protect our neighbourhood from inappropriate development. Many of you have been concerned about plans published last November by estate agents Brown & Co. for the disposal of three lots of land in “The Albions“.
The position today is this:
LOT 1, between 26 and 28 Albion Close.
The owners of the ‘eco’ houses, acting as Langton Green Management Company (LGMC) are in the process of acquiring this land, where it will remain much as it is today, in its semi natural grassland state. LGMC also maintain a nearby public open space opposite this lot.
LOT 3, the green at the top of Albion Crescent.
LLRA has negotiated to acquire this land, and has encouraged County Highways to assume ownership, responsible for its maintenance, including the care and retention of the trees on the land.
These two areas are now in the process of resolution, when they will be protected from inappropriate development.
AND NOW – LOT 2. Land between top of Albion Close and Albion Crescent, the area through which the tarmac footpath runs.
This is where we need your help.
LLRA has negotiated with the landowners and their agents to split this lot into two. The original LOT 2 was that land on the attached plan (see Appendix A) coloured blue, together with that coloured green, but now it has been split with the blue portion remaining available for development, and the green portion available for LLRA to purchase.
LLRA is now seeking to raise £6,500 from nearby residents to acquire and protect this green portion – some 500 sq.m – from development. PLEASE, CAN YOU HELP?
WHY PROTECT THIS AREA?
As well as being part of the ecological network of Long Leys, providing habitat and cover for wildlife, this green portion includes a number of mature hornbeam trees that add to the character of the area, adding a clear visible backdrop. There are also attractive shrubs and foliage around the (Anglian Water owned) retention pond.
IF I CONTRIBUTE, HOW WILL MY MONEY BE SPENT?
Funds donated by residents will be used for land purchase and associated legal costs.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE LAND?
Once acquired, the land will be gifted by LLRA to Langton Green Management Company (LGMC) who will maintain it in perpetuity as part of the ecological network, adjoining land they already own and maintain as amenity open space. This will ensure the long-term protection of the land, including the trees. LLRA looked into gifting the land to the City of Lincoln Council, but that would have required payment in advance equivalent to 15 years’ maintenance costs plus 10 per cent. Gifting the land to LGMC will be undertaken without any financial contribution from LLRA, and removes any further liability for financial support.
WHAT ABOUT THE FOOTPATH?
The tarmac surfaced pathway is an adopted – protected – right of way, so cannot be blocked or closed. Any owner of the land coloured blue has the right to apply to divert it to a different route, but this might not be approved, and any change could only be marginal.
WHAT HAPPENS IF LLRA CANNOT RAISE THE MONEY?
If LLRA is unable to acquire the land or the project is abandoned for any other reason, then individual contributions will be returned in full as soon as is practical. Then, if not purchased by LLRA, the land will once again be joined to form a single plot with the land marked in blue.
HOW TO DONATE
If you would like to retain the character and appearance of Long Leys, and help protect it against inappropriate development, your contribution will be welcomed by BACS transfer or by cheque. Details of how to pay are available by emailing LLRA@long-leys.org.
If you have any queries on this proposal, then please email LLRA@long-leys.org
Appendix A: Plan of land (Land to be acquired shaded in green)
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