Welcome to the website of the Better Wetherby Partnership.
We are a consortium of local people from a variety of organisations who contribute to initiatives designed to help make Wetherby and the surrounding villages better for the community of both current and future generations. A current focus is our concern about the negative impact on Wetherby and the local environment resulting from large-scale house building. See About Us for further details
Our aim is to ensure that all new developments respect the community-led sense of place we currently enjoy, whilst contributing positively towards the local economy, character and scale of our historic and attractive market town.
URGENT APPEAL
Better Wetherby needs financial support to pay for expert consultants and generally fund our wider efforts on behalf of the local community. Public support is essential to increase the chance of success and help protect our community. Please see Donations page for further details.
CONTACT INFORMATION
We welcome further volunteers and supporters to assist our endeavours. Please contact us with any comments and queries. If you wish to be included on our mailing list please send a request by email to betterwetherby@gmail.com.
We are a consortium of local people from a variety of organisations who contribute to initiatives designed to help make Wetherby and the surrounding villages better for the community of both current and future generations. A current focus is our concern about the negative impact on Wetherby and the local environment resulting from large-scale house building. See About Us for further details
Our aim is to ensure that all new developments respect the community-led sense of place we currently enjoy, whilst contributing positively towards the local economy, character and scale of our historic and attractive market town.
URGENT APPEAL
Better Wetherby needs financial support to pay for expert consultants and generally fund our wider efforts on behalf of the local community. Public support is essential to increase the chance of success and help protect our community. Please see Donations page for further details.
CONTACT INFORMATION
We welcome further volunteers and supporters to assist our endeavours. Please contact us with any comments and queries. If you wish to be included on our mailing list please send a request by email to betterwetherby@gmail.com.
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NEWS UPDATE
Safeguarding the gains from the Stockeld Inquiry decision As our motto states, BWP is committed to promoting and protecting our town's future. In this respect, it is important to ensure that a planning condition imposed on Bellways housing scheme off Spofforth Hill requiring the planting of a major tree belt on the western edge of their new estate, is completed. This tree belt, allied to an existing spinney of trees on most of the remaining western boundary, is aimed at ensuring that there will be minimal visibility of Bellways new development over the very attractive rolling agricultural landscape on this gateway entrance into our town. In dismissing Stockeld Park Estate's appeal to build 210 houses on a large part of this landscape, the Inspector noted that 'the proposals would have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.' He went on to state that he gave full weight to the conflict of the proposed housing with Harrogate Borough Council's Local Plan policy to protect the landscape of the district. The best way to appreciate this western landscape setting of Wetherby and Kirk Deighton is by walking and cycling along the two bridleways and Harland Way that traverse in all directions across it. This has become even more important during these torrid pandemic times. To this end, BWP is mindful of the need to improve signage and good maintenance on these routes. We are therefore in contact with the range of organisations and authorities having a responsibility or interest in looking after these routes. As has been noted from the outset of BWP, our local authority shared boundary characteristic makes the simplest of tasks far from straight forward. However, we will continue our efforts and will keep you in the picture on the outcome of these continuing discussions, in particular with Leeds City Council, Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council. Racecourse Approach - Plans Panel meeting 6th August summary This application by Taylor Wimpey (TW) to build a development of 800 houses on the outskirts of Wetherby has been in the planning system for around 3 years. It has received consistent and strong opposition from BW and many local people and subject to scrutiny in several hearings by Leeds City Council Plans Panel (meeting of Councillors). At a previous Plans Panel meeting, the application was approved subject to a number of conditions being met, including a key issue of ensuring that an access point was secured onto York Road on the south-western corner of the site. In recent months representatives of TW have engaged in negotiations to purchase land to secure the necessary access point. As they have been unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, TW requested that this specific condition be removed and gave Notice of Appeal should their request not be granted. Leeds Planning Officers reported that they supported the removal of the condition, maintaining that other access points from Racecourse Approach would be acceptable. At a lengthy meeting of the Plans Panel on 6th August, BW spokesperson, Ward Councillor Alan Lamb, pointed out that to allow the removal of the condition would be in direct conflict with the approved Leeds Site Allocation Plan (SAP). This would call into question the relevance of the SAP and undermine the whole ethos of the National Planning process. Councillor Lamb said that BW accepted that a development would take place on this site, as it was allocated in the Leeds SAP. However, as it would bring huge change to Wetherby, the biggest change for over 50 years, it was important to get things right. He maintained that the application in its current form was not right for Wetherby and asked that the application be rejected. Peter Catton, speaking on behalf of Wetherby Civic Society, also opposed the application. He contended that it failed to meet the requirements of the Leeds SAP, the National Planning Framework and the Wetherby Neighbourhood Plan. Mark Johnson, representing TW, also addressed the Panel. He maintained that the removal of the condition was compliant with the SAP and that TW would be pressing ahead irrespective of the Panel’s decision. He confirmed that a notice of appeal was in the system. Mr. Johnson said that TW was hopeful that the design stage would be the time for consultation and engagement with those who were critical of the development. Several members of the Panel expressed serious concerns about the application. However, in spite of those reservations there was a majority vote of 8 – 5 in favour of removing the condition about the access point and allowing the application to progress to the next phase in the planning process, that of the detailed design stage. Whilst the outcome is a disappointment, it is the view of BW that it also presents an opportunity. It is accepted that a development on this site will take place, probably over a period of several years. Therefore the aim of BW is now to ensure that this becomes an exemplar housing development. BW is fully prepared to reach out and engage in a positive way with TW and Leeds Planning Officers to offer our views and advice during the detailed design phase. Local people can be assured that BW will be continuing our efforts, using the means at our disposal, to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for our town. A full recording of the Plans Panel meeting is available here Previous News Better Wetherby regularly send out newsletters to all our contacts - please drop us an email if you wish to receive all future newsletters and be added to our contact list. A full list of Press Releases and Newsletters is available here. We have also added a page with links to news articles related to our work. We also have an 'archive' page showing previous 'latest news' updates. Climate Emergency A recent article in the Yorkshire Post provides some insight into the thinking of Leeds Planning department who are now turning down significant planning proposals that do not provide public transport connections. Given the lack of public transport, and the remoteness of the Racecourse Approach site it is interesting to ponder:
Feb 2020 - Stockeld Inquiry Result Better Wetherby, together with Harrogate Borough Council, have been successful in opposing Stockeld Estates appeal to build more houses on the border of Wetherby. see our Public Inquiry page which provides details of the proceedings over the four days of the Inquiry, and also the newsletter sent to our supporters Many thanks to all our supporters for their comments, we have collated a few here. Thanks also to CPRE for their recent article and ongoing support. You can view other press comments here. |
Chairmans Message - October 2020: Welcome to the latest Better Wetherby Partnership Newsletter. I am penning this on yet another grey, damp and dismal day. It seems to me if it isn't the weather, then it's the news that is equally depressing. I sincerely hope the few minutes you take to read this will give a little (no matter how small) relief. The activities of BWP have continued over the last months but in a much truncated form due to the many restrictions placed on everyday life and especially those around face-to-face meetings. Venues have been closed and so we have been limited to Zoom but have tried to make a go of things, thanks to the persistence of my Steering Group members. Firstly, I would like to place on record the sincere thanks of all of us at BWP to those of you who have come forward with donations. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. I have attempted to thank all in person, but in case I have missed you, my apologies. Donations are always welcome but at the moment largely unspent. Rest assured they are in a safe place in the Bank. Moving on we have experienced a number of changes in personnel. Clive Smithson and Mike McKinley, who were stand-in Secretary and Hon. Treasurer respectively, have both decided to call it a day, although Mike is staying involved for the time being. I would like to publicly thank Clive and Mike for their sterling efforts over the short months of my tenure and before. This leaves BWP with both positions to fill and we would love to hear from anyone who wishes to join us or even existing members wishing to take a more active role. As the Treasurer role does hold responsibility for filing accounts and other duties, BWP may be able to pay a small stipend. However, as we need to make the most of our limited funds, clearly we prefer a volunteer! If you feel you can help, please contact me. Matters still rumble on with aspects of the Bellway scheme at Spofforth Park, as you will see from the report later in the newsletter. The scheme itself is progressing to a conclusion and personally I have admired the quality of much of the construction work during my frequent Covid walks. I know several of my colleagues share my frustrations at not being able to take BWP forward in the way we would like in these difficult times. A much needed Workshop about the housing situation in Wetherby to consider future action by BWP was due to be held, but this had to be postponed due to lockdown. The continued postponement is irritating to say the least. Hopefully we can move ahead with this before too long, as housing is such an important issue that affects all of us who live in the town. BWP will, of course, notify members as soon as we can safely hold the much needed event. Many of you will be aware both from BWP and the general media that the Taylor Wimpey housing scheme at Racecourse Approach is to go-ahead. BWP has a seat at the developer's table and since the end of September has taken part and, indeed, played a significant role in a series of Design Workshops which will lead to Taylor Wimpey submitting their Reserved Matters Planning Application to Leeds City Council. To date these meetings have taken place on Zoom and we have provided input on subjects such as Highways, Site Layout, House types and Open Space. The aim of BWP is not to stop the development, we are beyond that, but to attempt to achieve a high quality, exemplar scheme, which will be held as a new standard, not just for Wetherby or the area, but for the wider country. Our input is being coordinated and effectively led by Paul Crossan who, you may recall, successfully led the BWP case at the Stockeld Estate Planning Inquiry in Harrogate almost 12 months ago. There is much to finalise, as can be expected on a site for 800 homes. Following this, BWP expects a re-run of sorts with Persimmon Homes who are to build out a further 300 homes on the same site. This huge development will clearly have a massive impact on our Town at every level, so you can be assured that BWP will continue to make every effort to achieve the best solution. Keep safe and thanks for reading. Roger Owen; Chair Better Wetherby Partnership Chairmans Message - August 2020: Welcome to our latest newsletter. The focus is on the latest developments in the long running saga of the Racecourse Approach application by the developers, Taylor Wimpey. Unfortunately we have some disappointing news. Despite strong opposition from Better Wetherby (BW), Leeds City Council Plans Panel has accepted a recommendation by Leeds Planning Officers to allow the application to progress to the detailed design stage. However, regardless of this setback, BW will be continuing our efforts on a number of fronts, including engaging with the Developer and City Council around the detail of the Plans Panel decision. The aim of BW now is to seek to influence events to mitigate the damage from such a huge development and ensure that the best possible outcome for our town is achieved. Roger Owen; Chair Better Wetherby Partnership Chairmans Message - July 2020: Welcome to our latest Newsletter. Judging by the response to our last edition, many of you were impressed by our determination to keep going through the current crisis. Thanks for your good wishes, all at BW appreciate them. What has also been particularly pleasing is the receipt of several monetary donations, very kind. A number of ongoing matters are covered in the Newsletter, especially the issue of Racecourse Approach, which I feel will feature large over the coming months. Recently the Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum challenged the whole Leeds Site Allocation Inquiry decision around the allocation of Green Belt land and won their case in the High Court, although the Judge is yet to hand down his decision. They are now challenging all Green Belt allocations in Leeds on the grounds the Inquiry decision was wrong in Law. Although the Racecourse Approach site is not Green Belt, the challenge by the Aireborough could have major ramifications for Leeds, so BW will be keeping a close watch on this. BW aims to challenge the conditions imposed on the Planning Application for Racecourse Approach when the matter progresses. To do so we will need substantial funds to employ experts to support our case. The Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum actually raised in the order of £60,000 to fund their case, so this gives an indication of the type of funds we may need. If you can contribute it would be appreciated. Details of how to contribute are shown in the Newsletter. At BW we are moving forward, even via Zoom! Personally I am looking forward to meeting colleagues face to face again before too much longer. In the meantime, thanks for reading, stay safe. Roger Owen; Chair Better Wetherby Partnership Previous messages can be viewed on our 'archive' page, or see a full list of our newsletters |
