This is an application to build an apartment block on Sydney Whard Nursery.

This is undeveloped land formerly used by Hannays (renowned horticulturalists) between 1982 and 2000, Prior to that it was a nursery run by the Owens family from about 1900.

I would like to urge local people to object to this proposal for two reasons.

1) Contrary to the claims of the developers, this is a 'greenfield' site. As such the council should not prioritise it for development, unless it can be deemed to be surplus to requirements. There are some allotments at Canal Gardens, I am the lucky holder of a plot. I waited 2 years for my plot and the waiting list is now 3 years and growing as people rediscover the pleasure and fuldilment of growing one's own food. It's good for you , good for the environment (think food miles), good for the community (you can have a good chat too).

So I would argue that this site would make a perfect spot to provide more allotments. There are alternatives eg. wildlife centre for local schools; kitchen garden for local schools, community orchard, etc...

Undeveloped spaces such as this are a precious resource and once built on it is effectively gone for ever. There are plenty of brownfield sites available for apartment blocks. This site having been used for cultivation for over 100 years is part of the tradition of this area. Shame to let it all go....

2) I live down Sydney Wharf and the propopsal includes a change so that all traffic for the existing Raby Villa development, plus the Kildare flats would use Sydney Wharf, rather than going over the railway bridge. I am against that on the grounds that Sydney Wharf is not suited to any level of traffic.

I'd like to urge you again to object to this development by writing to your local councillors. The fats of the Nursery will be decided on 21st March so be quick!