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'The field is barricaded off like we're criminals'

Bea Swallow
BBC News, West of England
Mark Palmer A view from inside the field towards a row of three red brick detached houses. Heras fencing has been installed along the perimeter line of their back gardens, running parallel to a low garden wall. Mark Palmer
The fencing secures the perimeter line of the field and runs parallel to residents' properties

Residents have been left "shocked and devastated" after land they have enjoyed freely for almost a century was blocked off.

Metal fencing now secures the perimeter of the field just off Estcourt Road in Longlevens, Gloucester, which was purchased by the University of Gloucestershire in 2015.

The university said it was simply protecting its private property ahead of putting the land up for sale.

However, residents said they were given no prior notice of the "imposition", with one person saying it left them feeling "like we're all criminals".

A community group is now campaigning to raise enough funds to maintain the green space for public use.

Mark Palmer Heras fencing installed on the very edge of residents' homes. Their back gardens are on the left of the image, inches away from the fencing which blocks the view from their windows. On the right side of the fencing is a lush green field. Mark Palmer
In some areas, the fencing blocks residents' windows and encroaches onto their property line

The university said signs had been in place on the site for several years, "making it clear the land is private property".

Its status as private land with no public access or rights of way was confirmed when the institution applied for planning for student accommodation on the site in 2017, and again when applications to designate the field as a public right of way were denied the following year.

However, those living nearby said the fencing seemed to appear overnight, and were left frustrated at the lack of comunication.

Mark Palmer wearing a black coat and black framed glasses. He is standing at the end of his back garden over looking the field, where metal fencing has been put up just the others side of his wooden fence.
Mark Palmer said the university had "alienated the community" by taking such action

Longlevens resident Anna Palmer said she was "shocked and devastated" by the change.

"It feels heartless that they don't have any regard for not only green spaces and ecology, but residents and the wider community," said her husband Mark.

The couple are leading the campaign to purchase the land.

"It is totally their right to sell whatever land they want, but surely in a partnership - as they should be with Gloucester and its residents - they need to work with us," Mr Palmer added.

Mark Palmer Heras fencing on the edge of a field running parallel to a wooden garden fence. There is a gate in the middle of the wooden fence which is now unable to open. Mark Palmer
A university spokesperson said the fencing was erected ahead of the sale to make it clear who owns the rights to the land

Following a recent drop-in event for the public, the university explained it would be making some changes in order to maintain a "positive relationship with neighbours", including reducing the height of the fencing in areas where it is impacting residents.

John Bond, who has lived adjacent to the land since 1987, said the situation could have been handled with more consideration from the beginning.

"It's a bit of an imposition and I would argue that it's unnecessary," he said.

"Things might be completely different if they'd consulted people first."

Mark Palmer A two-storey home made from red bricks which is situated just behind a wooden picket fence. There is now metal heras fencing running parallel to the wooden fence, which is very tall and blocks the view from the windows. On the right side of the fencing there is a lush green field.Mark Palmer
The university said it would consider selling the land to the community

Fellow neighbour Geri added: "Every day since, we go past the gate that's barricaded off like we're all criminals.

"That's the way you feel, insulted, because that's the way this has been handled."

The university said it was willing to sell the land back to the community, but "must consider factors such as the value and viability of any bids put forward".

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