Harborough's ambitious rewilding scheme ‘in doubt’ following dramatic budget meeting
Harborough's ambitious rewilding scheme seems to be in doubt following a dramatic budget meeting, in which Harborough District Council’s ruling coalition suffered a setback.
Although the planned five per cent cut in the council’s share of council tax (put by the coalition of Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green and independent councillors) was approved as part of the budget, amendments from the Conservative opposition (supported by independent and Reform UK members) were passed by 18 votes to 16 at the budget meeting on Monday February 23.
The changes include pausing further investment in the council’s 130-acre re-wilding project to the north of the town, a new £500,000 hospitality business support scheme, extra funding to tackle fly-tipping, a cut in bulky waste collection charges from £50 to £10, and more funding for disabled children’s play equipment.
The five per cent cut in the council’s share of council tax will save a Band D household just over £9 a year.
But the opposition's vote to 'pause' the re-wilding scheme drew the most attention.
Council leader and Liberal Democrat councillor Phil Knowles described the vote as a "wrecking motion by the Tories" and one that they "should not be proud of".
He added that they will be now working hard to to find a way to protect the scheme.
Cllr Simon Whelband, leader of the Conservative group, said that the project is not being scrapped, adding: "We are not trying to stop the scheme, we are just trying to seek more information.
"It's not clear and we haven't seen a business case."
Cllr Knowles argued that the business case was published a week ago.
Green councillors were also left "frustrated and puzzled" by the vote.
"The Market Harborough Rewilding Project is supported by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT). It is a unique project of national significance, which would restore nature across 500 acres, bringing benefits to wildlife, people and communities," said the party.
"Rather than raise their concerns through the standard channels which would have allowed time for amendments, the opposition decided to pull the funding at the last minute, even though the project has gained widespread public support and has had months of work from different professional bodies and community groups."
Cllr Lynne Taylor (Green Party, Market Harborough Welland) described the move as “being equivalent to the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree," adding: "A symbol of hope being destroyed in such a mindless manner. The rewilding project would have benefited the whole community - a place to visit and enjoy for generations to come.”
Responding to the amendments, Labour group leader Cllr Paul Beadle said: "It is incredibly frustrating to see these wrecking amendments be voted through, just for the benefit of political point scoring, and at the expense of the community. The budget proposals of the coalition administration, provided for a council tax reduction, investment in our community, whilst also putting money into reserves. It would have been a win/win/win budget.
"The scrapping of funding for the re-wilding project, and the scrapping of funding for some council staff posts, demonstrates the Conservatives short-sightedness and lack of investment in the community."
Conservative finance spokesman Phil King said the amendments will benefit residents, adding: "These are sensible measures and they will improve sustainability...they do believe these are constrictive amendments."