Fight for nature defeats homes bid
YORK: Contentious plans to build hundreds of homes which were opposed by Sir David Attenborough have been blocked by the Government.
The veteran broadcaster and conservationist gave his support to a campaign to halt the 500-home development due to concerns over the impact on Askham Bog outside York.
CONTENTIOUS PLANS to build hundreds of homes which were opposed by Sir David Attenborough have been blocked by a Government inspector.
The veteran broadcaster and conservationist gave his support to a campaign to halt the 500-home development due to concerns over the impact on the ancient Askham Bog, on the outskirts of York.
Members of York Council’s planning committee rejected the plans last summer.
However, the firm behind the development, Barwood, appealed the decision and a planning inquiry was held at the end of last year.
The Conservative MP for York Outer, Julian Sturdy, has now confirmed the planning inspector sided with the council – and the campaign to stop the development going ahead has been successful.
Sir David backed the campaign to help save the nature reserve and called on “all those who love the natural world” to help fight the plans to build homes next to the bog.
A spokesperson for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the nature reserve and raised £39,000 in funds to make its case at the planning inquiry, said the team is “overjoyed”. The spokesperson thanked supporters and the council.
They adding: “We are thrilled that Askham Bog can now continue to thrive as a special place for wildlife and the people of York for years to come.
“Our vision is to protect and restore our natural world, help wildlife to thrive and ensure a greener future for us all.
“In the midst of the climate emergency, and recognising the joy that nature is providing at the current time, the decision to protect Askham Bog is a welcome step in the right direction.”
The council’s planning committee refused to grant permission for the scheme in July 2019.
When the developers appealed the decision, they told a planning inquiry the housing development would “offer protection to Askham Bog for future generations” and help address York’s housing crisis.
More than 7,600 people objected to the planning application when it was submitted.
York Outer MP Mr Sturdy said: “Local people have been unanimous in their opposition to the development proposals near Askham Bog.
“The campaign has attracted national attention, including from Sir David Attenborough who rightly described the site as ‘irreplaceable’.
“My thanks go to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust who have been instrumental in informing the debate about the potential ecological damage.
“The work to conserve Askham Bog goes on and I hope that this news means it will remain a special place for generations to come.”
Coun Stephen Fenton, who represents the Dringhouses and Woodthorpe ward on York Council,
attended the planning inquiry and spoke out against the scheme.
He said yesterday that the announcement that the Government has sided with the authority was a major relief.
He added: “I am delighted that Askham Bog has been saved – this is a real victory for our community.”
Askham Bog is home to a host of plant species including royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and spectacular displays of water violets.
The bog is a survivor of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire and occupies the site of a lake, left behind by a retreating glacier 15,000 years ago.
We are thrilled that Askham Bog can continue to thrive.
A spokesperson for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.