South Tyneside protest group back 'king letter' horse yard plea to block house plans
South Tyneside protesters Save the Fellgate Green Belt Working Group have thrown their weight behind calls by a stables to block a proposed housing development.
Campaigners fighting to block a swathe of South Tyneside green belt from housing development have given their backing to horse riders who use part of the land.
.png?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
The Save the Fellgate Green Belt Working Group said it stood firmly with riders battling to stop their livery yard from being lost under the same building plan.
It has been vocal in its opposition to about 200 hectares of farmland at Fellgate in Jarrow being turned over to the creation of at least 1,200 homes.
Enthusiasts who stable their animals at West Fellgate Farm last week spoke of their fears it could vanish under the bulldozer.
They say over 50 horses use the facility, which boasts the only indoor show arena in South Tyneside and has an abundance of fields.
The letter to the King
Young rider Scarlett Milner, 12, has even written to King Charles in the hope he may step in and support their opposition.
The farm and surrounding land are included in South Tyneside Council’s Local plan document, its strategy for housing, infrastructure and schools to the year 2040.
The Local Plan has twice been rejected by councillors, leading to a public inquiry which has yet to deliver its verdict.
Members of the Save the Fellgate Green Belt Working Group spoke at the inquiry and say they remain determined to keep up the fight.
They have now revealed their support for riders at the farm, which is part owned by Durham Cathedral.
Group spokesman Dave Green, 62, said: “The livery stables represent a community within the wider Fellgate community.
“As residents, we like nothing better than seeing the horses and riders being around the estate.
“The Fellgate green belt is a beautiful landscape, with an abundance of wildlife, and we love to see the horses roaming freely in the fields they know as home.
“It is good for the mental wellbeing of so many residents that nature is so close, and we want it left that way.
“Save the Fellgate Green Belt Working Group gives its full support to the riders in their fight for the farm to stay as it is.”
Natalie Milner, 46, mum of Scarlett, said she welcomed the group’s support, and added: “We must do all we can to save the farm.
“I think the working group’s support is invaluable in our efforts to stop the farm from being lost.
“Everyone who lives at Fellgate and who enjoys the farm and green belt are opposed to any housebuilding.”
It is understood that no date has yet been fixed for government appointed inspector David Spencer to deliver his verdict on the Local Plan.
The inquiry ended in January and Mr Spencer has since written to the council to say the Plan was “not sound”.
In a letter, he also confirmed that, to meet the goal of erecting over 5,000 new houses, green belt must be built on.
He has asked the council to look again at the Plan, including around road improvements at Whitemare Pool, close to Fellgate.