Askham Bar sports pitch application approved

On 11 July members of the council’s Planning Committee voted unanimously to approve plans to establish new sports pitches on land off Tadcaster Road.

Concerns raised by some residents about the impact on wildlife were addressed in the officer report on the application:

“The site provides good habitat for a range of species including foraging and commuting bats, hedgehogs and nesting birds. The ecology surveys did not find evidence of great crested newts or water voles. Hedgehogs are known to be present on site which is used as a release site for a local hedgehog rehabilitator. Hedgehogs are a species “of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity” covered under section 41 (England) of the NERC Act (2006). Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and it has been confirmed that the pitches will not be used after dark, with no floodlighting. The hedgerows and boundary scrub on site that would be used for daytime shelter and hibernation will be retained.”

 

Askham Bar sports pitch plan to be considered by Planning Committee

At its meeting on Wednesday 11 July, the council’s Planning Committee will consider an application for sports pitches to be created on land off Tadcaster Road, behind the BP garage. The application is described as follows:

“Change of use from agricultural holding to natural turf sports pitches including erection of changing facilities, installation of sub surface land drainage and associated soft landscaping and formation of emergency/maintenance vehicle access road”

The officer report recommends that “Delegated Authority be given to Officers to approve the proposal subject to an acceptable agreement being reached in respect of the provision off-site car parking and subject to any additional conditions that may be required to secure this provision.”

 

 

Clean Air Day, Thursday 21 June 2018

It’s Clean Air Day, which is an opportunity to find out more about air pollution, share information with friends and colleagues, and help make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone. There is information and resources available at https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/


City of York Council is about to start a consultation on plans to set up a Clean Air Zone for the city centre. You can find out more at https://www.york.gov.uk/press/article/2580/clean_air_day_21_june_2018_your_views_on_new_clean_air_zone_for_york_s_city_centre

Local Lib Dem councillor Stephen Fenton said “Clean Air Day is a chance for us to focus on what more needs to be done to encourage cycling and walking in York. Better air quality is key to that, as are improvements to cycle lanes, both on and off road.”

Stephen out and about on his bike!

What’s on – Skate Park session, Friday 1 June, 10am

Children over 7 years of age are invited to take part in a free skate park session at Moor Lane Youth Centre on Wains Road on Friday 1 June from 10am to 11.30am.


The session is run by the York City Knights Foundation, and follows a successful series of events held over the Easter holidays. Further sessions will take place over the summer holidays.


Woodthorpe gears up for Royal Wedding festivities

Two local groups in Woodthorpe are inviting residents to get together to celebrate the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

On Thursday 17th May from 1.30 to 3.30pm Dementia Yorkshire is hosting a Royal Wedding themed afternoon at St James the Deacon Church Hall on Sherringham Drive, with light refreshments and organised activities on offer.


Then on the big day itself, Saturday 19th May, the Woodthorpe Community Group invites local residents to a Royal Wedding Street Party on Woodthorpe Green from 2pm to 4.30pm. As well as refreshment stalls there will also be family games on the Green. Bring your picnic blanket or folding chairs and make it a fun afternoon! In the event of wet weather, the event will move indoors to St James the Deacon church hall.