Scrambler bike track in action

LAND at Scammonden is being used as a scrambler bike track – before planning permission has been given.

Farmer Paul Pogson, who owns green belt land behind Nont Sarahs, has applied for a change of use to turn agricultural land into a scrambler bike track for 25 events a year from 9am-5pm and the formation of hard standing and parking for 40 cars.

It’s yet to be decided by Kirklees Council.

But Facebook posts by the Scammonden Scramblers show they have already used the field, and a post even suggests ‘construction’ work is due to take place this weekend.

Anthony Turton, of the Scammonden Scramblers, said he believed they could use the site 14 times a year without the change of use planning permission.

He said they had used the site just once so far.

The Facebook post about the ‘construction’ was later deleted after the Examiner questioned them about it.

Another Facebook post promises “2 great days over the weekend to get on the track ... between 10.30 till 4.30 Saturday & Sunday.”

They also say they hope to have a kids track by July. There is no mention in the planning application of a youth track.

Mr Turton also told us “not to bother calling him” again until we knew what the council thought.

Kirklees’ Environmental Services asked that planners reject it due to the noise impact on residential neighbours.

Kirklees’ ecology department says the applicant needs a professional ecology survey and they would oppose the change of use without one.

They have concerns about the impact on the nearby South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area and wildlife.

Clr Donna Bellamy, Colne Valley Conservative, said: “I’ve received complaints regarding noise and I’ve passed them on and advised residents to contact environmental services.” Right, the Facebook page for Scammonden Scramblers showing bikes in the area where a planning application has been submitted but not yet granted. Below: Scammonden Dam

She is unable to comment further as she is a planning committee member.

It’s also thought that residents have also made complaints to Kirklees Council’s environmental noise team.

It’s the second planning application for the green belt area at Scammonden that is troubling Kirklees Council.

The council has had to issue an enforcement notice on nearby land where travellers have moved on but the applicant has appealed Kirklees’ enforcement notice.

A retrospective application has been submitted, but not yet been decided. The deadline for objections has passed. A CROSLAND Moor woman has appeared in court accused of burglary.

Kerry Burgin, of Nabcroft Rise, denies the offence.

She is alleged to have broken into the address in Nether Crescent in Rawthorpe, on March 6. The 30-year-old denies a further charge of breaching a restraining order not to contact Thomas Dennis by going to the address.

The order was made by Leeds Crown Court last October.

Her trial will be held at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on April 26 and she was remanded in custody in the meantime.