Save Humbledon Hill

After 14 years, here we are again having to campaign to save Humbledon Hill, one of Sunderland’s ancient historic sites. A developer plans to build 13 houses for the privileged few looking down on Sunderland. As Sunderland residents we should not have to continually campaign to safeguard this bronze-age prehistoric settlement and surrounding area.

In November 2011, part of Humbledon Hill was granted Ancient Monument status. This should have safeguarded any development from taking place on this area. Recent plans were submitted to Sunderland City Council for 13 large houses and an access road cutting directly through the monument site. This would be damaging to the setting of this beautiful wildlife inhabited historic land.

Unfortunately only part of the hill was granted ancient monument status leaving some of the land unprotected and vulnerable to future development. This unprotected part is still an integral section of the hill setting and is inhabited by many types of wildlife. All of these creatures will be driven away from their homes to an uncertain future.

English Heritage has to grant the developer permission to cut through the monument. The developer then has to get the plans passed through the council to build his housing estate for the privileged few home owners to soak up the views looking down on Sunderland.

If this land is built on, there is a possibility of losing unfound ancient artefacts. Items already found are on display at Sunderland Museum. We pray that Sunderland Council don’t allow the development to proceed.