BeWILDerwood would ruin tranquillity of Tatton (From Knutsford Guardian)

BeWILDerwood would ruin tranquillity of Tatton

4:50pm Tuesday 12th June 2012 in Letters

As a primary school teacher I love to see my class letting off steam and having fun outdoors. Children need access to a stimulating outdoor environment, and I have no problem with the BeWILDerwood concept in itself – however Tatton Park is absolutely not the right place for it.

This is not Mobberley and Knutsford residents being nimbys and killjoys.

Just read the objections to the planning application on Cheshire East’s website and you will see we are rightly concerned about bigger issues, such as the destruction of prime farmland and priceless ancient woodland, which once gone can never be replaced.

Increased traffic is an issue for us all, both in the park and in the surrounding area. When I visit Tatton, I like to walk or cycle, enjoying the peaceful environment.

The tranquillity will be lost if this theme park goes ahead – the developers estimate 40 per cent extra traffic within the park.

The proposals include restaurants, retail outlets and a train, as well as huge car parks. Is this really what we want for Tatton?

I would urge Knutsford residents to remember the lessons learned from the airport’s second runway. Those people who hadn’t bothered to object to the plans were quick to come forward complaining when the runway came into operation – too late. Let’s not make the same mistake twice.

ALEXA SNEATH Knutsford