Families in Coventry claim they are being “threatened” with court action by a private school if they try to block a new school being built on its sports fields.
Hundreds of Coundon residents are now set to mount a legal challenge after they received a solicitor’s letter from Bablake School asking them to consent to a new building on the school’s playing fields.
The school fears residents could use an 80-year-old covenant issued by the land’s former owner – the trustees of city benefactor Sir Thomas White’s estate – to block development of the land off Hollyfast Road.
The contested covenant restricts building on the fields if it causes noise or nuisance.
Neighbours say they felt threatened by the letter – sent to more than 1,000 residents – and had previously been unaware of the covenant.
Some say they felt bullied into agreeing – fearing having to fork out legal fees.
The row has now become part of campaigning for Thursday’s Coventry City Council elections.
Mum-of-three Sally Laidlaw, of nearby Eversleigh Road: “The first thing I saw was the solicitor’s name on the letter and I thought, ‘Oh no, what have I done?’
“We didn’t understand the legal wording and felt threatened by it.
At least one friend I know signed it because she was too scared not to.
It’s threatening legal action andcourt costs, which people can’t afford.
“Many people were not aware of the covenant.” Hundreds of angry residents attended a public meeting earlier This month. Many are against a new junior school being built, which has planning permission, fearing traffic problems.
Mrs Laidlaw said: “The roads are already unsafe for my children, and we’ve just lost our lollipop lady at our school (Hollyfast primary).
City lawyer and Labour councillor Phil Townshend has offered free legal advice to residents.
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Councillors in various parts of the country have also been threatened with personal legal action if they oppose developments by companies such as Tesco which is why so few of them turn up to vote at council meetings.
