We are very upset about Leicester City Council’s proposal to develop our school playing fields into residential dwellings, and deprive our children of their unique Forest School.

The area is not only part of the school’s heritage, but a natural heritage for the whole community, that our children and residents should be able to enjoy and benefit from for years to come. It forms an integral part of the students’ learning, contributing immensely to their well being from a physical and mental health perspective, and is irreplaceable as a sensory garden to aid children with emotional and behavioural issues.

The proposed development will not only affect residents in the area, but every child attending the school in the future.

Furthermore, the ongoing development will be hugely disruptive to the local residents and children due to increased pollution, noise, traffic and congestion. The school road is a busy bus route, and parking is already difficult at the school. With these issues comes the increased risk of road traffic accidents that could lead to loss of life of our most vulnerable residents, the majority of whom are elderly and children.

The playing field and trees that are over a hundred years old offer a lovely view to local residents and visitors, as well as a peaceful school environment with a little breathing space away from the congestion of nearby houses for the children to enjoy.

We, the undersigned, demand that the Leicester City Council withdraw plans of development at site 604: Linden School Playing Fields (Part), and any plans for further disruption and development at any of our school sites in Leicester. Our children need and deserve to have a well balanced environment to learn and thrive in, in order to grow into healthy, responsible adults who value and are able to care for the world we live in.

Thank you for your support! Together we can make the world a better place for future generations.