Campainers call on Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to block Shottery plans

Buy photos » Protester David Bowie and fellow protesters make their point. 47.012.021.strat.jm2

CAMPAIGNERS called on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to block plans for the Shottery development.

Some 100 residents gathered outside the Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust Trustees meeting in Stratford on Saturday (November 17) to back the RASE (Residents Against Shottery Expansion) campaign to try and stop 800 homes and a new road being built near Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Developers Bloor need the Trust's agreement to build a relief road - linking Evesham Road and Alcester Road - on land running behind the historic grade 1 listed home owned by the Trust.

RASE Chairman Martyn Luscombe said: "When the Secretary of State gave approval for the development he specifically said in his judgement that it could not go ahead without the land owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and that it required the willing involvement of the Trust to proceed."

Speaking after the launch of new social media campaign Save Shottery last week, Trust bosses said they would be making no quick decision.

Trust director Dr Diana Owen said it was a complex situation and they would make a decision on the way forward following professional advice.

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