Dringhouses & Woodthorpe Lib Dem councillor Stephen Fenton has expressed concern at the submission of an application for a ‘scoping opinion’ on proposals to develop land off Moor Lane in Woodthorpe that has been earmarked as Green Belt.
The application refers to plans to build 500 homes on land adjacent to the Askham Bog nature reserve, along with a school, sports facilities, allotments and public open space. It is believed to be a precursor to a more detailed planning application being submitted.
The red line marks the area for which an application has been made for a ‘scoping opinion’
Developers have previously set out their desire to develop the site, most recently in 2016 when they published a brochure setting out an aspiration to build 1,250 homes:
Commenting on the new application, Cllr Fenton said “This application for land that has been earmarked as Green Belt is unwelcome, and will be resisted.
“Throughout the various stages of consultation on York’s Local Plan, residents and local councillors have been firm in their opposition to the development of this site, which is right next to the Askham Bog Site of Special Scientific Interest.”
Following the submission of York’s Local Plan to Government on 25 May 2018, Planning Inspectors have been appointed to conduct an examination as to whether the Plan is ‘sound.’
I have walked with my husband around Askham Bog many times, it’s a haven for appreciating the wild life, plants, trees and also the serenity.
“Askham Bog is regarded as one of the most ecologically diverse sites in Northern England;[4] especially regarding plants, invertebrates and birds.[2] The ecological diversity is attributable to a wide diversity of habitats ranging from fen-meadow with base-rich ground on the periphery to more inward carr woodland and raised bog with acid soil; interspersed with dykes and stands of open water”
A short passage from Wikipedia
Whilst l understand the need for housing, sites like these should be protected. I hope the there will be much support to stop this happening.
Having worked in the construction industry I am very concerned by the direct and indirect impact upon the area covered by the proposed Moor Lane development Woodthorpe. Apart from the loss of “green belt” buffer zone, the proposed development is in a particularly fragile ecological area. The effect of surface water run off, spillage and contaminated seepage can only have a detrimental effect upon Askham Bog SSSI. Whilst I am fully aware of the need for housing, and indeed affordable housing, there is also a need for restraint.
I have lived off moor lane for 39 years and the thought of the green belt and Askhan Bog being damaged by builders makes me so annoyed. I just hope the council do not let this happen. Makes me feel sick.
York city council need to rethink again this site is of great importance to all and anyone who has visited or live in the area it is truly a beautiful area full of flora and fauna not to mention the abundance of wild life birds and insects that live and visit the area including the frequent visits from our local deer family., that been said the environmental impact on this area would be huge a massive increase in traffic around another 1000 cars on the already heavily congested roads will lead to longer journey times increased pollution strain on local resources schools, hospitals surgeries nurseries to mention but a few. Added to this the existing infrastructure is not suitable for such a huge development THINK AGAIN.York city council are elected by the people for the people you would do well to remember this come the next round of elections Just to finish off, the proposed land adjacent to the railway at moor lane bridge is a former refuse tip site and would be unsuitable to build on due to stability problems i assume this is the site proposed as the recreation site football pitches etc sounds a bit like a carrot and a stick.