Save Denis' Field
Denis' Field has been allocated for housing development in the Calderdale Council Local Plan. The plan to build on this field was initially rejected, because it is a valuable community green space and wildlife habitat. But that decision has been overturned and things are now moving forward fast. You can read more about how the status of the site has changed by visiting our page on the story so far.
We need YOU to help save the field by showing how well it is used and valued by the local community. Save Denis’ Field has been set-up to save the space as a public amenity. You can also sign a petition which we will present to Calderdale Council as evidence of public support for maintaining this valuable green space.
Denis' field has been a public recreation and community green space for at least 30 years. It’s used year-round by diverse communities of local people – with deer, bats and goldfinches also regular visitors. Since May 2020 the site has been recognised by Calderdale Council as an Asset of Community Value.
Groups using the field are primary age children, who play independently here with parental consent, as the location feels so safe. Many children using Denis' field can get here safely without crossing the main roads – essential in Todmorden, as many houses near to the field don’t have gardens. Football and other games are a regular feature. Older children in 11-18 age group also use the field and parents and toddlers. Dog walkers use the space all day and all year round, whatever the weather.
The Orchard (developed around 10 years ago through local funding) is now looked after by the local community gardening group. The apples, plums and pears are available to all and fruit bushes are next to be introduced. Wildflower areas are currently being developed around the field perimeter to encourage wildlife.
The Denis’ Field Friends and Growers group has been established to provide a focus for the development of the site. We aim to improve the site for the public to enjoy, to develop the biodiversity of the site, encourage more people to use it, and work with the Council and other bodies to improve the site in line with its status as an Asset of Community Value.
The play park – much used on a daily basis - would be taken down and relocated to a space behind the proposed new housing if the Building Plan were to go through, which would make access more remote and less visible – and feel less safe. The entire flat area of the field would be built on.
We need housing for the community, especially affordable housing – but there are a number of brownfield sites in Todmorden which are left untouched and would be much better allocated for housing development before green spaces like Denis' field are be lost to the community.
We need YOU to help save the field by showing how well it is used and valued by the local community. Save Denis’ Field has been set-up to save the space as a public amenity. You can also sign a petition which we will present to Calderdale Council as evidence of public support for maintaining this valuable green space.
Denis' field has been a public recreation and community green space for at least 30 years. It’s used year-round by diverse communities of local people – with deer, bats and goldfinches also regular visitors. Since May 2020 the site has been recognised by Calderdale Council as an Asset of Community Value.
Groups using the field are primary age children, who play independently here with parental consent, as the location feels so safe. Many children using Denis' field can get here safely without crossing the main roads – essential in Todmorden, as many houses near to the field don’t have gardens. Football and other games are a regular feature. Older children in 11-18 age group also use the field and parents and toddlers. Dog walkers use the space all day and all year round, whatever the weather.
The Orchard (developed around 10 years ago through local funding) is now looked after by the local community gardening group. The apples, plums and pears are available to all and fruit bushes are next to be introduced. Wildflower areas are currently being developed around the field perimeter to encourage wildlife.
The Denis’ Field Friends and Growers group has been established to provide a focus for the development of the site. We aim to improve the site for the public to enjoy, to develop the biodiversity of the site, encourage more people to use it, and work with the Council and other bodies to improve the site in line with its status as an Asset of Community Value.
The play park – much used on a daily basis - would be taken down and relocated to a space behind the proposed new housing if the Building Plan were to go through, which would make access more remote and less visible – and feel less safe. The entire flat area of the field would be built on.
We need housing for the community, especially affordable housing – but there are a number of brownfield sites in Todmorden which are left untouched and would be much better allocated for housing development before green spaces like Denis' field are be lost to the community.
