A PLANNING application by Cooper Tire to change the use of a large area of land which they own, north of King George V park, has led to concern about the effect it may have on activities such as dog-walking, parkrun and fishing for local people.
In the application to Wiltshire Council by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe, the company says it wishes to “bring to an end any period during which persons may have indulged as of right in lawful sports and pastimes on the whole or any part of the land shown edged in red’ creating concern about the future public accessibility of the land.”
The land is currently used frequently by dog-walkers, those taking part in river activities such as fishing and canoeing, River Mead School play area is located here and runners cross one of the fields as part of the popular parkrun course.
Melksham News asked Cooper Tire for a statement to find out the reason why the application has been made and whether this will have an effect on public use of the land in the future.
In reply, the company said, “Cooper Europe is a responsible member of the Melksham community and takes great pride in being a local employer and a good neighbour.
“The recent application to Wiltshire Council was necessary for Cooper Europe to ensure that its right to control its own land was preserved. We have noted the concerns of local residents, and would like to assure them that we remain dedicated to managing these properties appropriately and in accordance with the needs of the local environment.
“Any party that has been given permission previously by Cooper Europe to use the land may continue to do so in accordance with that permission.”
Mayor of Melksham, cllr Adrienne Westbrook said, “I think the application has been a shock to the residents, but this particular piece of land is very important to Cooper Tire and they do a lot for the town.
“We have been in contact with them and are due to have a meaningful discussion with them about what this means for the area and those concerned. We are looking forward to meeting them to discuss allowing public use of the land and they have been very welcoming in agreeing to speak to us.
“Melksham Town Council will be here to liaise with groups affected and help to preserve activities such as parkrun, the use of the Riverside Walk and River Mead School play area, all of which fall within the boundary of the application.”
A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “The statement was deposited by Cooper Tire and Rubber Limited as the landowner. Any questions about future use of their land and why they have deposited the statement should be directed to them. Public rights of way across the land which are recorded on the definitive map and statement will be unaffected as will access to any land north west of the river that is recorded as public open space.”
