Petition to Save Sawley Farmland
Petition to Save Sawley Farmland
The Issue
I have launched a petition against Erewash Borough Council repurposing the farmland across from the Nags Head, on Tamworth Road, Sawley.
Back in October, the Grammer Family (who have farmed this land for over a century) were given notice to vacate in January. EBC have decided to repurpose the land despite there being no formal consultation.
On the 13th April without any prior warning to councillors or the public, contractors entered the field and cut down healthy trees and hedges. This is from a council that consistently informs local councillors that work to cut back trees/hedges isn't possible during this time due to bird nesting.
On the 14th April I met with the Grammer family who showed me evidence that they had put an offer in to buy the land but this was simply ignored. They felt disrespected and belittled from their dealings with officers. That day I emailed the Chief Executive at the council requesting that they urgently reconsider this move and pause any projects.
Without receiving a response to my email, the following day, Erewash Borough Council released a press release stating that there were plans to turn this land into a nature reserve. They confirmed in writing there were ‘no plans’ to turn this into a carpark, housing or a play area.
If this is to become a nature reserve, why cut back hedges and trees? This just doesn’t make sense.
This petition is not against Sawley having a nature reserve, it simply prefers the land to be left as it is. Although we do think this would be a questionable spot to have a nature reserve. Tamworth Road is an extremely busy road and we are unsure where people will park if no carpark is being built.
Do you agree that the land should be left as it is? Please sign the petition!
OUR DEMAND
• The Council urgently reconsiders their plans to re-purpose the land and meet the Grammer family to discuss their offer. The Grammers have farmed this land for over 100 years, it's the least they deserve.
• The Council remembers that farming is absolutely crucial to our survival as a country and we need to treat farmers with more much more respect.
Thank you for reading,
Cllr Paul Maginnis
1,448
The Issue
I have launched a petition against Erewash Borough Council repurposing the farmland across from the Nags Head, on Tamworth Road, Sawley.
Back in October, the Grammer Family (who have farmed this land for over a century) were given notice to vacate in January. EBC have decided to repurpose the land despite there being no formal consultation.
On the 13th April without any prior warning to councillors or the public, contractors entered the field and cut down healthy trees and hedges. This is from a council that consistently informs local councillors that work to cut back trees/hedges isn't possible during this time due to bird nesting.
On the 14th April I met with the Grammer family who showed me evidence that they had put an offer in to buy the land but this was simply ignored. They felt disrespected and belittled from their dealings with officers. That day I emailed the Chief Executive at the council requesting that they urgently reconsider this move and pause any projects.
Without receiving a response to my email, the following day, Erewash Borough Council released a press release stating that there were plans to turn this land into a nature reserve. They confirmed in writing there were ‘no plans’ to turn this into a carpark, housing or a play area.
If this is to become a nature reserve, why cut back hedges and trees? This just doesn’t make sense.
This petition is not against Sawley having a nature reserve, it simply prefers the land to be left as it is. Although we do think this would be a questionable spot to have a nature reserve. Tamworth Road is an extremely busy road and we are unsure where people will park if no carpark is being built.
Do you agree that the land should be left as it is? Please sign the petition!
OUR DEMAND
• The Council urgently reconsiders their plans to re-purpose the land and meet the Grammer family to discuss their offer. The Grammers have farmed this land for over 100 years, it's the least they deserve.
• The Council remembers that farming is absolutely crucial to our survival as a country and we need to treat farmers with more much more respect.
Thank you for reading,
Cllr Paul Maginnis
1,448
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 15 April 2026