Last year, Havering council decided they were going to build 5 new houses on the Priory green space in Harold Hill, used by the wildlife. This was petitioned not to happen as this is a prominent walk through, used by the deer. It was voted equally, and the chairman of the board had the deciding vote.
Even though the locals do not want the greenspace urbanised, the houses are not benefiting them as they are going to be sold private, meaning they will not be absorbed by the local community. They keep building unnecessary houses instead any helpful infrastructure such as doctors or dentists. The deer are such a large part of local society; therefore, the community and charitable group deer aid are appealing the houses being built. They are involving activists and more petitions to help save the deer and other wildlife. The deer have been part of this community for over 50 years, during this time our wildlife has been aired on national TV to show their beauty, which should not be stripped away.
There have been claims that the deer do not use this space however there are many pictures as evidence to the contrary, further proving that the deer’s use and need this space. If this green space is taken, it will endanger the wildlife as they will have to use busy roads instead of the safe pathways. This will create many unnecessary accidents meaning it will create a danger for drivers and will be hurting the deer population which is already decreasing.
Whilst it has not been confirmed or denied, some of the residents have reason to believe there was an incentive for the decision. People think money has been involved and many backhanded conversations have happened. Either way, if this notion does go ahead, it will only cause harm to the environment.
The appeal is to end in six months, this means the residents have this remaining time to stop the houses from being built and help the wildlife keep their home.
