Hucknall green belt campaigners launch crowdfund bid to pay for lawyers
Green belt campaigner in Hucknall are appealing for the town’s support to help them raise funds to hire lawyers, a planning consultant, or both, to help in their fight to save Misk Hills and Whyburn Farm from development.
Residents and campaigners in the town have been left furious after a Government planning inspector overturned Ashfield Council’s refusal of plans to build 100 homes off Common Lane at Misk Hills.
And that has led increased fears that proposals for 3,000 homes on Whyburn Farm will also ultimately get the green light.
Members of the Hucknall Against Whyburn Farm Development (HAWFD) group are refusing to give up the fight, however.
Members have already organised a peaceful protest at the site off Common Lane on April 12.
And now, they are starting fundraising to pay for a legal team to help them further challenge the inspector’s ruling.
Jemma Chambers, HAWFD founder, posting on the group’s Crowdfunder page, said: “We are raising funds to allow us to hire a legal team and/or planning consultant to help save our green belt.
“We are raising vital funds to protect Whyburn Farm the surrounding Misk Hills, and consequently, Hucknall, from development.
"Hucknall has had an influx of new housing in recent years, with little to no investment in our infrastructure.
"Our homes flood when it rains, doctors’ appointments are impossible to get, school places are scarce and roads are gridlocked.
"The Whyburn and Misk developments will bring at least 4,700 more cars to our roads, and 10,200 more people – and this is not including the Top Whighay Farm development currently ongoing.
“In addition, Whyburn and Misk are green belt and offer an irreplaceable landscape rich in wildlife, natural beauty, and local heritage.
"This space is more than just land – it is a vital habitat, a place for community connection and a piece of our shared environment that cannot be restored once lost.
“To give this campaign the strongest possible chance of success, we urgently need funding for expert legal representation and a professional planning consultant who can challenge proposals, navigate complex regulations and ensure our voices are properly heard.
"Your support will directly help defend this treasured area and preserve it for future generations.”
To donate to the cause, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/p/hawfd?fbclid=