Thank you for your support!
Hi all, I wanted to let you know that we now have 68 signatures on this petition. Thank you so much for your support!
Would you help me get more signatures by sharing this petition with ten other people on social media? Facebook groups, SMS chats, X, email and WhatsApp all work great. If more of us sign, we can’t be ignored!
Thanks again for supporting this cause.
It’s great to see many residents of Burton and beyond coming together to tackle issues and have their say!❤️
I completely understand why some people are excited about parts of this development. A bowling alley returning to Burton, new shops, and investment will naturally appeal to many. This petition is not about being against progress or criticising those who support it.
For many residents, the concern is ‘where’ this development is happening and the long-term impact it could have on Burton as a whole.
Some people have said traffic already exists or that we should simply “cycle more”. However, this roundabout is already heavily congested daily and has sadly seen devastating accidents in recent years, including the tragic loss of a child. The concern is not about traffic existing - it’s about whether adding a major retail and leisure development here is responsible long-term planning.
While traffic lights are planned for this roundabout, there are concerns this will only manage congestion rather than prevent long delays and increased pressure on the junction.
Others have said the green space is “just rough land”. In reality, this area was once a park for the community before being neglected over time. It is still used by residents for dog walking, open space, and local wildlife. This area still supports local wildlife and has real potential as a valued green space for the community. Once it is built on, that opportunity is gone forever.
I understand that Shobnall Leisure Complex and park are nearby and are valuable community spaces. However, smaller local green spaces still matter too, especially for residents living directly nearby. Not everyone can easily travel further - including young children, elderly residents, and dog walkers before or after work - especially during winter months when it gets darker earlier.
For many residents, it’s not about needing a large park - it’s about slowly losing every small piece of green space in built-up areas.
Some are understandably excited about businesses like M&S, Greggs, gyms, and a bowling alley. Which is agreed on - it’s great for Burton. However, Burton already has many of these, while the town centre continues to struggle with closures, empty units, and declining footfall. Many residents believe this level of investment would benefit Burton more if it supported the town centre rather than drawing more people away from it. Imagine a bowling alley back in the town centre … shops and businesses would be booming with custom.
Others have said residents shouldn’t have a say over land they don’t own. But developments like this directly affect local people through traffic, road safety, noise, environmental impact, and pressure on existing businesses. That is exactly why public consultation exists.
Even though planning permission has already been granted, residents still have every right to express concerns and hold decision-makers accountable for how this impacts Burton going forward.
Even if opinions differ, I hope we can continue respectful discussion about the future of our town.
Please sign and share if you support protecting Burton, green spaces and getting the town centre thriving again!