Save Wimborne Town Green

'Hanham's Ground is two hectares of open green land used as a cricket field since 1793, adjacent to the River Allen, and close to the centre of the historic Dorset Minster Town of Wimborne. For several years, Waitrose have been trying to acquire the site in order to build a supermarket.

Despite strong local opposition demonstrated by several local petitions, East Dorset District Council perversely granted planning permission in February 2009 and construction on the site commenced during January 2010.

The land is adjacent to the River Allen, a Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat, and home to otters, rare white-clawed crayfish, water voles and other wildlife. There are grounds for believing that measures taken by the developer are inadequate to protect the water from harmful pollution. A significant proportion of the development site lies within a flood plain.

Hanham’s Ground lies within a Conservation Area and the developer has failed to demonstrate that the supermarket will harmonize with existing town centre buildings, in accordance with the district council’s own Planning Guidance. The change of use from an open green playing field to a supermarket and two-level car park, will irreversible affect the character of the town centre.

The site lies close to a busy road that is already congested at peak times. The provision of an additional 215 parking spaces is estimated to increase traffic by 2000 vehicles per day.

This Petition to the County Council must be submitted by 19 March 2010.