Proposal to dispose of land in Oadby Reflection Garden rejected following consultation

Published: Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council has rejected a proposal to dispose of land in Oadby.

The council received an above market value offer from an individual wanting to purchase a strip of land which currently forms part of the Reflection Garden in London Road, Oadby.

The offer was for a strip of land to be used as an access driveway, which would comprise 28% of the area of the garden.

The council was obligated to consider the offer and felt it was essential to gain public views on the matter to help inform the decision-making process.

Following a public consultation which saw over 600 responses returned, the overwhelming consensus was that residents of the borough were not in favour of this proposal.

Had the land disposal gone ahead, the money raised would have been ring-fenced to improve and maintain the garden.

Cllr Samia Haq, Deputy Leader of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, said “Local residents and users of the garden have made their views clear that this is a highly-valued community asset.

“As well as the importance of having this space where people can come together, or take a moment of quiet reflection, the main concerns which were raised included issues around pedestrian safety and the environmental impact of the loss of a green space.

“In the face of such an above-value offer we felt that it was imperative to consider all options and hear what our local community thought, and they have almost unanimously told us that they disagree with the proposal.

“In light of this result the council has chosen not to proceed with the disposal. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views with us, demonstrating what an important role this space plays to the residents of Oadby”.