Uppingham Town Council has decided to proceed with a public consultation to gather opinions on how land should be used, despite concerns by residents.

At a council meeting on Wednesday 4 February, residents heard that the authority will launch a consultation of just over 2,000 homes to gauge public opinion on the future of an area of land behind The Elms.

Previously, the town council put out a call to local groups to find out what they would be interested in the site being used for in the future.

However, concerned residents have raised issue with the idea of land being used for other purposes, describing it as an important natural asset that should be protected.

During the meeting, it was suggested the site could be used for football pitches.

One councillor proposed amending the wording of the consultation to present the option of designating the site as a local nature reserve for consideration by the public.

However, The Elms residents have concerns that the public that will be voting in this consultation are not aware of the ecological importance of the space and the habitats it provides for local wildlife.

They are concerned this will lead to decisions being made in the consultation will not full informed.

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Nicky, who lives near-by, said: 'While the land has been described as 'unused', residents have observed for many years that it functions as a valuable wildlife habitat, supporting protected species and birds of conservation concern. Any future decisions about the use of this land should start from an accurate understanding of the site's existing ecological value.' 

Another resident, Tom, explained: 'This isn't about keeping the land for a few residents, but about recognising its existing nature value and the wider benefits it could offer the whole community if managed sensitively. Uppingham currently lacks natural parkland, and a nature-led approach could be a real asset to the town.'

Regular observations by residents have included sightings of protected species and birds of Conservational Concern, including barn owls, tawny owls, deer, badgers, song thrush, linnet, reed bunting and woodpeckers, as well as other woodland wildlife. 

The land is also between four Sites of Specialist Scientific Interest, managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Priors' Coppice, Great Merrible Wood, Launde Wood, Rutland Water. 

The resident group hopes to better inform residents of the ecological and environmental importance of the site before they give their opinions in the consultation.