To: Tim Roberts CEO & Peter Mawson Non Executive Chair - Henry Boot PLC.

Dear Mr Roberts and Mr Mawson,

Local residents are concerned about the future of the precious 10 acre plot at Banner Cross.

We are concerned that future development might result in the loss of character of Grade II listed Banner Cross Hall through inappropriate development, densification and destruction of much of the peaceful, wildlife-rich mature woodland adjacent.

We would like to propose an alternative future. We would like to achieve its potential for the local community. For example, conversion into a multi-generational cohousing development, community hub, allotments, nature reserve and forest school. 

Multi-generational housing developments enable residents to have their own living unit but share some communal spaces. They offer support for old and young and everybody in between. High quality, eco friendly, sustainable housing built on this model would be a great benefit to the community.

Shirle Hill Cohousing in Nether Edge, is a very successful example nearby, an historic NHS building converted into apartments with additional new 'green' standard units adjacent (see references below).

Concerning the wildlife at Banner Cross Hall we know of multiple badger setts and a rookery (rooks are amber-listed birds).

Many Banner Cross residents have happy memories of the annual Henry Boot fundraising garden party, with teas on the lawn, pony rides, tombola etc.  As a child, being allowed inside the stately gates felt very special. The names of the distinguished families who occupied it are maintained in the naming of roads in the vicinity, including Tullibardine, Murray, Glenalmond, Gisborne, Blair Athol, and Ford roads. 

Philanthropy has a long history in Sheffield, e.g. Firth, Graves, Edgar Allen, Rawson, Harrison (and more recently David & Jane Richards).

Mr Roberts and Mr Mawson, would you consider donating the property to the community, set up for example as a Community Interest Company. Our principal aim is to preserve this special environment and the proud history of Henry Boot.

“Boot Park” could sustain the legacy of company founders Henry and Charles Boot, and Henry Boot PLC’s position in Sheffield.

Thank you for your support.

 

Cohousing explained: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/2022/12/06/a8715-cohousing-a-solution-for-sustainable-urbanism/

New Sheffield cohousing project: https://5riverscohousing.org.uk/

The role of cohousing in building sustainable communities: https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/142058/8/document.pdf