Land Owner Seeks To Reassure Villagers

The owner of an area of land in Church Langton say villagers will continue to be able to use it, even if it is rented out for grazing.

Over 300 residents have signed a petition, amid concerns it could prevent them accessing the only green space in the village.

But owners of the field, off Stonton Road, the Leicester Diocesan Board of Education, say: “The DBE is not selling the land and has run a tender process to let the field for 2 years for grazing. Access to the field continues to be permissible along the public footpath. The Board welcomes local residents enjoying the field on this right of way.”

Anthony Lawton is leading the campaign and spoke to Hfm:

The area of land in Church Langton

Harborough District Council has designated the land as space for recreation and previous plans to build houses on it were rejected, because of the impact the loss of the field would have on the community.

The Diocesan Board of Education has agreed to pause the tender process until February, to discuss with villagers releasing part of the field for a children’s play area.

A spokesperson added: “ (DBE) is a charity established to support Church school education across the Diocese of Leicester.

“The DBE has been speaking with local residents to explore if there are any possible solutions that demonstrate our care and concern for the Church Langton community, as well as our primary responsibility for 97 church schools across the diocese educating 23,000 children and young people.

“The DBE has offered to pause the tender process until February 2021, during which time we would work with the community to agree how we might release a section of the field for a children’s play area. We look forward to engaging with local people in future discussions.”

Anthony Lawton and his granddaughter at the entrance to the field, the envelope signifying the petition which has been sent by email to the landowner.