Llangyfelach residents face fight to save green space
ANXIOUS residents fear they face a big battle to preserve a cherished green space.
They have applied to register the land in Llangyfelach as a village green after landowner Swansea Council nominated it as a candidate site for residential development in the new county-wide local development plan (LDP).
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Llangyfelach youngsters and residents in the play area which they fear they will lose to a housing development
No decisions about the LDP have been taken, but residents are desperate to have the land at Y Llwyni registered as a green to protect it from more homes.
The Post understands a council department has objected to this village green bid but that the final decision will be taken by an independent barrister.
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Residents also contend that a covenant protects the site from new homes, and have appealed to the authorities to consider the benefits of an open space for village youngsters.
Margaret Boyter, of Maes-y-Dderwen, Llangyfelach, is spearheading the fight.
She said there were 893 homes in Llangyfelach but no other designated green space for youngsters to play.
“The land there is used every day,” she said. “There are 15 varieties of trees, and wildlife is abundant.
“I feel, as the lead applicant, that we have given the council enough opportunity to bow down gracefully.”
According to the 65-year-old, Llangyfelach Primary School was also keen to see the land protected.
Mrs Boyter has become a member of Llangyfelach Community Council since embarking on her battle. The community council has objected to the nomination of the land as an LDP candidate site and said it supported residents in their efforts to have it registered as a green.
Council clerk David Jenkins said: “The council is very concerned. It is the only area (in Llangyfelach) that is a village green.”
Mr Jenkins said a “restrictive covenant” was established when the land was conveyed years ago from developer BJ Holdings to the former local authority.
Resident Simon Brooks, of Swansea Road, Llangyfelach, said the authorities should be promoting outdoor activity.
“We hardly need reminding that in Wales that obesity levels among the population, and most worryingly among children, are at an all time high,” said Dr Brooks.
Llangyfelach primary pupil Nathan Sullivan, 7, said: “I play catch there with my friends nearly every day.”
A Swansea Council spokesman said: “This site has been put forward as a candidate site for inclusion in the Local Development Plan. Assessment of this candidate site and others is ongoing.
“The site is council-owned, and this means the village green application will be determined independently.”
richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk
01792 514620
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