This
page describes protests in 2012 at the development proposals by
The Christies/MCRC in the Withington Green area.
Registration
of Withington Green as a village green
Withington
Green was a valued and important public space for the
community. It is one of only two sites in Withington with a
recorded history of over 200 years (the other being The Red
Lion). It contributes to Withington's distinctiveness. As an
amenity, it was a very pleasant space and, in the summer,
when it was used and enjoyed by local residents, and
patients and staff from The Christie, who sit, socialise and
relax on the seats and grass. Families would play on the
lawns.
On 19th January 2012, over 200 local residents demonstrated on Withington Green. They were opposed to its development and other aspects of the planning application proposed by The Christie/University.
On 19th January 2012, over 200 local residents demonstrated on Withington Green. They were opposed to its development and other aspects of the planning application proposed by The Christie/University.
Building
developments
After
the Council approved the plans, the developers used a hawk
to deter birds from nesting in the area (March/April 2012).
The trees by the Green were felled, as have trees to
the rear of the Victorian/Edwardian villas (April 2012) and
then the villas were demolished (July, 2012). Pictures
of these activities are below (click on images for larger
views). Thanks to David Plater for some of these photographs.
 Handler
with a Harris Hawk, employed by
the developers to deter birds and prevent
nesting on the site.
|
 The
hawk in the branches of a tree.
|
 The
Victorian villas and mature trees
before
their destruction.
|
 One
of the Victorian/Edwardian villas.
|
 The
villas from the south.
|
 The
magnificent trees against the sky - the
trees are Horse Chestnut, Lime and Beech.
|
 The
destruction of the trees. Tree-ring
counts
indicate that the trees are at
least
70 years old, and some are over
83
years old. Some of the trees
had
"Tree Preservation Orders"!
|
 Across
the Green - stark without the trees
(May,
2012).
|
 Demolition
of the Victorian/Edwardian villas.
One
destroyed...
|
 ...
and then the other (July, 2012).
|
 A
sign of things to come.
|
 The
Green looking glorious with summer
bedding, but
now backed by the demolition
(July,
2012).
|
Protest
on the Green
On
Thursday January 19th 2012, the councillors on the MCC
Planning Committee visited the proposed site of the expansion
of Christies Hospital and the MCRC development. The local
residents and the Civic Society put on a demonstration of how
the developments would affect the people and locality. In all,
over 200 people turned up including the local councillors. The
original plans were later rejected at
the planning meeting. See also an article
in the South
Manchester Reporter.
Here
are some pictures of the site visit. Click on the pictures
for a larger view.
 Before
the site visit: David Plater
addressing
the protestors.
|
 Before
the site visit: some of the crowd
of protestors around the village green.
|
 Some
of the issues.
|
 More
issues.
|
 Yet
more issues.
|
 The
councillors of the Planning Committee
arriving at the site.
|
 Protestors
addressing the Planning
Committee.
|
 Balloons
to illustrate the height of the
proposed multi-storey carpark relative
to nearby houses.
|
 A
residents' banner.
|
 Addressing
the Planning Committee on the
site of the proposed multi-storey carpark.
|
 Teachers
from local schools expressing
the risks to schoolchildren (1).
|
 Teachers
from local schools expressing
the risks to schoolchildren (2).
|
A
group of local residents and councillors on Withington
Green took place on Monday, May 7th 2012, to celebrate the
finalisation of the response to objectors to the
registration as a village green. Pictures below.
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