Will A Play Area Devalue My Home?

[Linnibee]

Our local council has proposed that 100K is spent on a new play area on a park which my home overlooks. There was previously a play area which was vandalised, youths were congregating drinking, drug taking etc. No one wants to go through this again and the majority are against it going ahead but the council know better and are determined they will spend their money. Does anyone know if there is any evidence I can submit that this will devalue our homes. Also there is a sex offenders hostel 200 yards away - is there any law against siting the play area so close? Any advice welcomed. Thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

Unlikely. There will be many who look for a play area nearby, only some wish to avoid it. Swings & roundabouts in both senses of the phrase.

Maybe you have there folk who already wish to avoid. That's sad, and maybe their wishes should be taken into consideration.

That said properly maintained and used, youths probably wouldn't want to be congregating where kiddies play, which is presumably a good thing. As for the offenders thing, I wouldn't know. It does seem an unfortunate location proximity.

[jake-the-peg]

There's a sex offenders hostel 200 yards away and you're worrying about a play area devaluing your home?

Seriously?

[bednobs]

the planners will NOT be interested in the value of your home being devalued, and will not consider it a valid reason for appeal. your best bet is to look for another, valid reason

[jno]

jake, it might be thought easier to stop one problem before it starts than to deal with another one that's already happened? Prevention better than cure and all that.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Look on the bright side...the sex offenders won't have far to walk!