Wildlife Circus

    Fircroft today                   It is possible that a further planning application affecting Hillcroft may be submitted in the future, perhaps when we least expect it or when many of us are away on holiday. In anticipation of that possibility, it is important that the history of Hillcroft is properly documented and made publicly available. The heritage report submitted with the RHAAC application was, in many respects, inadequate. One of its most significant omissions was the failure to acknowledge that Powell House at Hillcroft was named in honour of Margaret Joyce Powell OBE . This omission is particularly painful because it reflects a wider pattern in which women's contributions are rendered invisible. Margaret Joyce Powell OBE was one of the founder members of Hillcroft, and Powell House was officially opened in her honour by Joan Lester MP. To omit any reference to this history is not merely an oversight; it obscure...

      Cedar of Lebanon in front of Powell House   This is the fourth post about Hillcroft College planning application 22/000607 and pertains to trees. It was written by C. Mellish and discusses the trees to be lost, which could total 73. There is a  lack of mitigation for the multiple functions provided by the woodland, with no recognition for the veteran oaks that will be lost. Veteran trees are considered by Natural England to be 'irreplaceable habitats' for the purpose of the Biodiversity Net Gain metric; previous posts pertain to: The Planning Consultation Good Growth by C. Mellish  The development plans and bats by A. Fure Hillcroft Heritage: Powell House by A. Fure Oak to the rear of Powell House   Claire writes: Hillcroft College planning application is the worst for nature that I've seen for a long time. Residents raising concerns about the number of trees to be felled, are told that they are "self-seeded and unimportant". The badge...