Final push to protect ‘rare’ nature reserve

MPs urge Minister to reject homes bid

A DOZEN MPs from across the political divide have united in a final bid to stop a controversial housing scheme near a “world-renowned” nature reserve in York.

Plans to build 516 houses on land close to the Askham Bog nature reserve, south west of York, were unanimously rejected by York Council last summer.

After developers Barwood appealed the decision, a public inquiry was held in November and the appeal was then sent to the Secretary of State for a final decision.

Conservative MP for York Outer, Julian Sturdy, whose constituency includes the site, has written a final plea to Housing Minister Christopher Pincher, urging him to reject the appeal.

It has been signed by 11 other Yorkshire MPs, including seven fellow Conservatives and four Labour party MPs.

Describing the site as “worldrenowned”, the letter reads: “Whilst we fully acknowledge the need to address pressures on local housing, we agree with the assessment of York Council and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust that this development would have unacceptable consequences on the unique ecology of Askham Bog.

“Askham Bog is a rare survival of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire and has been described as ‘irreplaceable’ by Sir David Attenborough. In their written submissions,

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust explained how the land in question, not part of the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the site and provides a natural corridor to prevent it from being

The letter signed by Julian Sturdy and 11 other MPs. cut off from the surrounding countryside.

“In addition to the ecological value, Askham Bog is of historical importance to the conservation movement in Yorkshire, with the famous chocolate manufacturers Francis Terry and Arnold Rowntree giving the site to the newly founded forerunner of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust in 1946.

“The importance is reflected in the strength of local opposition to the proposals and by the range of colleagues from across the country that have signed this letter. We urge the Government to recognise the unique features of Askham Bog which make the adjacent land worthy of conservation and to bring closure to this issue by refusing the appeal.”

Mr Sturdy said he felt it was important to recgonise the strength of feeling “not just in York, but across the region”.

“I very much hope that we achieve the right outcome and in the process secure the future of this important piece of Yorkshire’s natural heritage”.

During the fight against the proposals, more than £28,000 was raised by residents to help the wildlife trust put together their case for the inquiry.

More than 7,600 people objected to the plans when they went before City of York Council.

Developer Barwood said the plans would help address York’s “housing crisis”.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was contacted for comment.

This would have unacceptable consequences.