By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
Oakham Town Council has taken a bold and forward-thinking step to safeguard the recreational heart of the community, a supportive letter from Rutland County Councillor Raymond Payne.
The council has agreed in principle to grant both the local Tennis and Bowls clubs a 99-year lease at a peppercorn rent for the site they currently occupy. While the decision remains subject to necessary legal advice, the move has been widely praised for its potential to secure the long-term future of these vital sporting assets.
Highlighting the significance of the decision, Cllr Payne emphasised the stark contrast between this unspoiled corner of the town which also encompasses the nearby cricket grounds and the large-scale housing developments currently transforming the surrounding landscape.
The site within the Oakham South Ward serves as a charming, relatively untouched haven amidst ongoing regional expansion.
Providing a secure, century-long foundation ensures that generations of residents will continue to enjoy grassroots sports facilities.
Cllr Payne noted that he is confident he speaks on behalf of fellow Oakham South Councillors Paul Brown and Diane Ellison in backing the initiative.
By locking in long-term security for the tennis and bowls clubs, Oakham Town Council has made a definitive commitment to protecting the traditional character and community spirit of the area against future overdevelopment.
Oakham Town Council Chairman Martin Brookes sees this as the best way forward to safeguard the future of the clubs and hopefully this will stop any further idiotic attempts by any councillor to seek to dispose of the sites for housing.
Councillor Raymond Payne's Letter:
Dear Sir,
I just wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate the Oakham Town Council on its decision to agree in principle, to granting both the Tennis and Bowls clubs a 99 year lease, at a peppercorn rent ,on the site that they both currently occupy. I am aware that rightly this is subject to legal advice, but the motivation is correct and forward thinking.
That particular corner of the town, which includes the Cricket grounds, also just happens to be part of Oakham South Ward which I currently have the privilege to represent, is a charming and relatively untouched oasis when compared to the massive housing developments that are, and I am afraid will in the future, be inflicted upon us. This brave decision by the council will help preserve part of the essential character of Oakham.
I have no doubt that I speak for my fellow Oakham South Councilor’s, Paul Brown and Diane Ellison
Regards, Cllr, Ray Payne
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment
🎉 Comments Are Now Live
You can comment directly on every article at Oakham and Rutland News.
Our mission is to put local voices back at the heart of the conversation. Whether you want to share your thoughts on local news or connect with your neighbours, it’s now easier than ever.
How to Join the Conversation, Just scroll to the bottom of any article. Sign in with your Google account to help us keep the bots away and ensure real discussions. We’ll be moderating to keep the community respectful, friendly, and free of abuse. Your voice matters. Let’s take Oakham and Rutland News to the next level, together.