Residents living in the construction zone for the new Universal Studios Great Britain theme park are worried about their future.
Manor Road Residents Worried About Universal Great Britain
The BBC interviewed residents of Manor Road in the village of Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire. The row of houses is between the land intended for the new theme park and the construction site, with plans indicating the homes will be demolished.
But most residents say Universal has not contacted them about compensation or other plans.
“We seem to be forgotten,” said Manor Road resident Tom. “There are people living here — I’ve lived here for 31 years. This is my home.”
There are twelve Manor Road properties. Universal has bought only the first five at one end of the street.
Claudia Pixley told the BBC that someone from the construction site told her that her home would be part of a compulsory purchase.
“He sat at my kitchen table and I told him I didn’t want to move, I’ve lived here for 10 years,” Pixley explained. She said the worker said, “If you’re going to be difficult, we can build the theme park entrance opposite your house.”
Universal recently submitted a request for a special development order (SDO) with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This allows the entertainment company to bypass local planning procedures, according to the BBC.
It was only when these planning documents were published that residents realized they were not subject to compulsory purchase orders (CPOs). Still, many residents feel like they are being forced to move.
“None of us know whether we’re going to be here in a year’s time, [or] where we’re going to live. It really is a nightmare, sleepless nights kind of stuff,” said Ritchie Wood, who has lived on Manor Road for 10 years.
Some residents signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with Saphira Real Estate. Others refused to sign because they want to speak directly with Universal Destinations and Experiences.
Pixley said residents have contacted Bedford Borough Council for help. A council officer said in an email response, “The discussions between these homes and Universal are a private commercial matter.”
Pixley is worried about what will happen even if they get to keep their homes.
“If we stay, it looks like all the trees and screening around our homes will be cut down,” she said, “and we’ll be on the side of a dual carriageway. Eighteen months ago, all our future plans were put on hold. It’s really sad not knowing if we’ll have to go, when, and in what manner. We just want our considerations heard.”
“We’re not against the theme park — we think it’ll be great for the area,” said Tom. “But this is my home, my children grew up here, [and] I had no plans to ever leave. We’re not going to be bulldozed out of here by a load of bullies, and if we are bulldozed, we want fair compensation for the total inconvenience.”
Universal declined the BBC’s request for comment on the issue.
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