STAG urges trust members to have their say on park plan (From Knutsford Guardian)

STAG urges trust members to have their say on park plan

2:50pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News By James Wilson

A CAMPAIGN group has called on National Trust members to voice their opinion on plans for an adventure playground in Tatton Park.

The Save Tatton Action Group, STAG, believes many National Trust members are unaware of the plans to build BeWILDerwood in the park.

The National Trust’s support for the planning application to build the park has recently been questioned by the Information Commissioner.

In a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information request from a Knutsford resident to Cheshire East Council, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said the relationship between Tatton Park owners the National Trust, ‘a well-regarded national institution’ and Tatton Park leaseholders Cheshire East, ‘a public body’, was relevant to the information request.

The notice said as the trust has given its support to the proposed development, ‘the commissioner is mindful public perception of the Trust as an institution set up to conserve historic buildings and environments might be affected or damaged by its stance’.

The ICO report quoted the Trust’s 2010/2011 annual report: “We will never turn our outdoor places into giant adventure playgrounds.

“Peace and beauty are supreme gifts in a high-pressured, uncertain world. Our overriding duty will always be to protect that quiet, uniquely local spirit.”

A STAG spokesperson said: “During the past 12 months we have spoken to many Trust members unaware of the plans for Tatton Park, and by contacting the north west supporter groups we will make more members aware of this potentially-damaging planning application.

“It’s time the National Trust wised up to the strong feelings of the people of Cheshire and beyond who expect the Trust to protect the quiet, uniquely local spirit of Tatton Park.”

Cheshire East Council plans to loan Norfolk-based Bure Valley Adventures £5 million to build BeWILDerwood as well as spending £1.5 million on building the infrastructure required.