Protect the community of St Marys, Wantage
Protect the community of St Marys, Wantage
Recent signers:
Mike White and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
We are reaching out with a heartfelt plea to protect the historic and community-centric site of the Old Chapel and its surrounding land at St Mary’s, Wantage. This area is not merely a plot of land but a cornerstone of our community's heritage and identity. It serves as a cherished space for community gatherings, local events, and a historical landmark for Wantage residents.
The recent proposal to develop this area into a private residential property threatens to erase an integral part of our community's history. The Old Chapel is a symbol of our past, representing not only the architectural beauty of another era but also the stories and memories of generations who have lived in St Mary’s. Turning this heritage site into private residences would not only lead to the loss of our cultural identity but would also limit access to a place that many consider as a community hub.
Located in the lush landscapes of South Oxfordshire, the constrained development of St Marys will have irreversible impacts on the local ecology, traffic, and the very essence of what makes our community unique. The transformation from a shared public space to a private property would mean the community would lose a vital venue where we come together, reflect, and celebrate our heritage.
We therefore urge the South Oxfordshire & Vale District Council, Stonewater, and other key decision-makers to reconsider any plans that could lead to such irreversible changes. We recommend exploring alternative solutions that preserve the Old Chapel's integrity and continue to allow community access and use, such as refurbishing it as a community centre or museum. Doing so not only preserves our shared history but enhances the cultural and social fabric of Wantage.
Our community's voice matters, and your support is crucial in ensuring that we do not lose this irreplaceable part of our local identity. By signing this petition, you help us send a powerful message to those in power: Protect St Mary’s! Save our history, honour our past, and secure our community's future. Please lend your voice and sign the petition today.
The recent proposal to develop this area into a private residential property threatens to erase an integral part of our community's history. The Old Chapel is a symbol of our past, representing not only the architectural beauty of another era but also the stories and memories of generations who have lived in St Mary’s. Turning this heritage site into private residences would not only lead to the loss of our cultural identity but would also limit access to a place that many consider as a community hub.
Located in the lush landscapes of South Oxfordshire, the constrained development of St Marys will have irreversible impacts on the local ecology, traffic, and the very essence of what makes our community unique. The transformation from a shared public space to a private property would mean the community would lose a vital venue where we come together, reflect, and celebrate our heritage.
We therefore urge the South Oxfordshire & Vale District Council, Stonewater, and other key decision-makers to reconsider any plans that could lead to such irreversible changes. We recommend exploring alternative solutions that preserve the Old Chapel's integrity and continue to allow community access and use, such as refurbishing it as a community centre or museum. Doing so not only preserves our shared history but enhances the cultural and social fabric of Wantage.
Our community's voice matters, and your support is crucial in ensuring that we do not lose this irreplaceable part of our local identity. By signing this petition, you help us send a powerful message to those in power: Protect St Mary’s! Save our history, honour our past, and secure our community's future. Please lend your voice and sign the petition today.
j leddenPetition Starter
232
Recent signers:
Mike White and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
We are reaching out with a heartfelt plea to protect the historic and community-centric site of the Old Chapel and its surrounding land at St Mary’s, Wantage. This area is not merely a plot of land but a cornerstone of our community's heritage and identity. It serves as a cherished space for community gatherings, local events, and a historical landmark for Wantage residents.
The recent proposal to develop this area into a private residential property threatens to erase an integral part of our community's history. The Old Chapel is a symbol of our past, representing not only the architectural beauty of another era but also the stories and memories of generations who have lived in St Mary’s. Turning this heritage site into private residences would not only lead to the loss of our cultural identity but would also limit access to a place that many consider as a community hub.
Located in the lush landscapes of South Oxfordshire, the constrained development of St Marys will have irreversible impacts on the local ecology, traffic, and the very essence of what makes our community unique. The transformation from a shared public space to a private property would mean the community would lose a vital venue where we come together, reflect, and celebrate our heritage.
We therefore urge the South Oxfordshire & Vale District Council, Stonewater, and other key decision-makers to reconsider any plans that could lead to such irreversible changes. We recommend exploring alternative solutions that preserve the Old Chapel's integrity and continue to allow community access and use, such as refurbishing it as a community centre or museum. Doing so not only preserves our shared history but enhances the cultural and social fabric of Wantage.
Our community's voice matters, and your support is crucial in ensuring that we do not lose this irreplaceable part of our local identity. By signing this petition, you help us send a powerful message to those in power: Protect St Mary’s! Save our history, honour our past, and secure our community's future. Please lend your voice and sign the petition today.
The recent proposal to develop this area into a private residential property threatens to erase an integral part of our community's history. The Old Chapel is a symbol of our past, representing not only the architectural beauty of another era but also the stories and memories of generations who have lived in St Mary’s. Turning this heritage site into private residences would not only lead to the loss of our cultural identity but would also limit access to a place that many consider as a community hub.
Located in the lush landscapes of South Oxfordshire, the constrained development of St Marys will have irreversible impacts on the local ecology, traffic, and the very essence of what makes our community unique. The transformation from a shared public space to a private property would mean the community would lose a vital venue where we come together, reflect, and celebrate our heritage.
We therefore urge the South Oxfordshire & Vale District Council, Stonewater, and other key decision-makers to reconsider any plans that could lead to such irreversible changes. We recommend exploring alternative solutions that preserve the Old Chapel's integrity and continue to allow community access and use, such as refurbishing it as a community centre or museum. Doing so not only preserves our shared history but enhances the cultural and social fabric of Wantage.
Our community's voice matters, and your support is crucial in ensuring that we do not lose this irreplaceable part of our local identity. By signing this petition, you help us send a powerful message to those in power: Protect St Mary’s! Save our history, honour our past, and secure our community's future. Please lend your voice and sign the petition today.
j leddenPetition Starter
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232
The Decision Makers
Stonewater
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Petition created on 15 January 2026