Below are the messages from our Chairman, Roger Owen, as published in our Newsletters
October 2021:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter.
As hinted in our last edition, things at BW have continued to move forward, helped to a degree by more freedom to meet in groups and face-to-face at long last. As I see things for BW the leaves may be turning into the brown of autumn, but for us as an organisation there are some green shoots of our own spring. Later in this edition you will read of our various actions and activities which I hope will give a flavour of what we have been up to and continue to be involved with. I specifically want to say how pleased we were to be represented at the Wetherby Arts Festival and the Eco Fair over recent weeks. I enjoyed meeting the many visitors to the displays and it was pleasing to see the interest shown in our efforts on behalf of the community. We look forward to future involvement.
Many of you will know we have been looking to fill the positions of Secretary and Treasurer for some time and, at last, I'm pleased to say we are 'there'. Barbara Harris has joined as Secretary and is proving a very good 'signing' with her high level experience in a massive organisation. Over the last week I have had an undertaking from our soon to be Treasurer, again someone with experience in her field, detail to be unveiled in our next edition.
Please read on to learn of our specific activities and enjoy the lingering days of hopefully fine weather.
August 2021:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter.
Since our last newsletter, we have held our long planned Strategy Workshop – delayed due to Covid – to look to the future direction and work of BW. It was a productive meeting and a pleasure to meet on a face-to-face basis with other Steering Group members again. We have much still to do, but you will find a brief update of the meeting below.
In relation to the massive housing development that will be built on Racecourse Approach over the coming years, there is little to report since our previous newsletter. The Design Workshop process has basically been on hold for a few weeks, but it is pleasing that the previous Workshop discussions with the house builders, Taylor Wimpey and Leeds City Council planners, have been positive. BW look forward to a resumption of the consultation process as we continue our efforts to get the best possible outcome for the residents of Wetherby and surrounding villages. I hope to be able to provide an update in the next newsletter.
You will find details below about the forthcoming Wetherby Festival in September and an Eco Fair in October. BW will be mounting displays at both events, so I encourage you to come along and learn more about our work. Those of us actively involved in BW are all volunteers, but we would welcome further support. We particularly need someone to take over the role of Treasurer, so please think about getting involved and helping our efforts. I will be pleased to provide further information and can be contacted on [email protected].
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Thanks for reading.
June 2021:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter. As the vaccination programme continues to be rolled out at pace, and the country makes a slow and careful return to normality, BW continues to be very active.
Since our last newsletter, I along with other BW representatives have been involved in the latest round of Design Workshops about the massive development that will be built on Racecourse Approach over the coming years. Building has yet to start as BW continues to try to get the best possible outcome for the residents of Wetherby and surrounding villages. But it is pleasing to report that discussions with the house builders, Taylor Wimpey and Leeds City Council planners, have been useful and carried out in a good way. You will find more in the piece below.
Next month we are holding our long delayed Strategy Workshop to map out the future plans of BW. I have to say it will be rather nice to meet face-to-face instead of on a computer screen using Zoom! We will give you an update on our discussions in the next newsletter.
I am delighted to welcome Barbara Harris as the new Secretary of BW. Barbara is a great addition to our team. However, we still need someone to take over the role of Treasurer. So please, dear reader, think about volunteering. I will be pleased to provide further information and can be contacted by email at [email protected].
Finally, congratulations to my BW colleague and our Deputy Chair, Norma Harrington, on her recent award of ‘Towns-person of the Year’, run by Wetherby Lions. Norma is a great worker across our community. In addition to her duties as a Ward Councillor, she is a great networker and ‘bringer together of organisations in the Town’. Well done, Norma!
Enjoy the summer months and the improving weather. Thanks for reading.
March 2021:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter. Well, the nights are getting lighter, even if we are still a little chilled and damp. But, above all, spirits are lifting. As I pen this piece there is an increasingly stronger light at the end of the COVID tunnel and we are now able to look forward to seeing the spring flowers blossom and businesses in our great town opening their doors once more.
Whilst a full return to normality will take time and we will have to live with COVID as we do with 'flu, I for one can't wait to see our pubs, shops and restaurants busy and thriving again, not just with us locals, but racegoers and tourists.
BW too can now start to plan ahead. Our long delayed Workshop to pen our future can now be planned, with full participation in place of a Zoom screen. That said, despite the pandemic restrictions, we continue to be active. Over several months, BW has provided constructive input to the Taylor Wimpey Design Workshops for the massive Racecourse Approach development. Unfortunately the workshops are currently paused, mainly due to the heavy workload of Leeds City Planners, but we hope to continue our productive and positive contributions when the workshops resume over the coming weeks. Also, during March, Taylor Wimpey's Planning Consultant has agreed to give a presentation to the BW Steering Group, another positive demonstration of co-operation as we seek to get the exemplar development Wetherby deserves, given the substantial effect it will have on our Town.
BW representatives recently had a meeting with Leeds City Council (LCC) on Sustainable Development, Transport and the Climate Emergency, see report below. We also continue to work closely with Wetherby Town Council on these matters.
Also reported elsewhere we are working closely with several authorities in connection with the soon to be completed Spofforth Park development which, so far, has neglected some of its important planning obligations. We also continue to monitor other issues around development elsewhere in Wetherby.
Keep well, stay safe and vigilant and enjoy the spring. Thanks for reading.
January 2021:
Welcome to the first Better Wetherby Partnership Newsletter of 2021. A belated Happy New Year to you all.
As we ring out the old year, this is a fresh beginning and a time to be optimistic. After such a dreadful 2020 dominated by COVID-19, the current roll-out of vaccines seems to be going well. Over the next few months, as a greater percentage of the population receive the jabs, we can perhaps allow ourselves to be hopeful that our lives will return to something like they were before the arrival of the pandemic around 12 months ago.
My BW colleagues and myself look forward to a successful year in our efforts to help make Wetherby and the surrounding villages better for the community of both current and future generations. We continue our meetings, both internal and external, and over the next week we will be meeting with representatives of Leeds City Council (LCC) to discuss Wetherby centric issues around Climate, Transport and Sustainable Development. These are very important matters to our town, especially with planned housing developments on the horizon.
One of these is the large, 800 house development by Taylor Wimpey on Racecourse Approach. In the December newsletter we reported on the participation of BW representatives in the Design Workshops for this large project (FYI, discussion documents can be viewed here.). The Workshops started in September 2020 and good progress has been made despite the fact that they had to take place virtually via Zoom. It is unfortunate that, due to the pandemic, there has been some slippage in the timetable for these meetings. However, once the workshop programme resumes, hopefully over the coming weeks, BW will be contributing and progress will be reported in future newsletters.
In the previous newsletter I also reported on efforts being made to resolve outstanding Landscaping issues with Bellway at the Spofforth Park development. These efforts continue, as you will see in the newsletter.
I have mentioned in previous newsletters that we are seeking volunteers to take over the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. I regret that both positions are yet to be filled. I know that there are many highly capable people amongst our supporters, so I really would appreciate it, dear reader, if you would think about helping.
Although the vaccine is coming over the hill, there is still a long way to go, so please remain vigilant and keep safe. Thanks for reading and for your continued support.
December 2020:
Welcome to the latest Better Wetherby Partnership Newsletter. As we approach the end of 2020, sadly a year always to be remembered for the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic, we had the welcome news of the development of effective vaccines and the start of the vaccination process. Hopefully, over the coming weeks and months, as the roll-out of vaccines gathers pace, we can look forward to more positive times and being able to meet face-to-face again instead of on Zoom.
The end of the calendar year is a good time to reflect on the work of Better Wetherby (BW). It is just 12 months ago since Paul Crossan and other BW representatives stood in the Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) Chamber at the start of the Stockeld Public Inquiry. Largely due to the significant efforts of Paul and the BW team, the Appeal to build 210 houses on the boundary with Wetherby was dismissed. That was an exercise
which taught us much. The experience has been put to good use, particularly with our current efforts participating in Design Workshops for the Racecourse Approach development by Taylor Wimpey. See the newsletter for more details.
In the last newsletter I reported on efforts being made to resolve outstanding Landscaping issues with Bellway at the Spofforth Park development. Our efforts are continuing with Officers of both HBC and Leeds City Council (LCC) in trying to get a satisfactory solution to the screening of the development from the Harrogate side and other issues relating to the Footpaths and Bridleways around the site. This is a matter which I feel will run well into next year but which, I believe, will result in a positive outcome for the people of Wetherby.
In the last newsletter I mentioned that we are seeking volunteers to take over the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. Both positions are yet to be filled, so I would love to hear from anyone who wishes to learn more about how they might be able to help. My contact details are in the newsletter, I would be happy to speak/communicate with you directly.
Thank you for your support over the past year. On behalf of all at BW, may I wish you and your loved ones an enjoyable time over the festive period and a very happy and healthy 2021.
Keep safe and thanks for reading.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter.
As hinted in our last edition, things at BW have continued to move forward, helped to a degree by more freedom to meet in groups and face-to-face at long last. As I see things for BW the leaves may be turning into the brown of autumn, but for us as an organisation there are some green shoots of our own spring. Later in this edition you will read of our various actions and activities which I hope will give a flavour of what we have been up to and continue to be involved with. I specifically want to say how pleased we were to be represented at the Wetherby Arts Festival and the Eco Fair over recent weeks. I enjoyed meeting the many visitors to the displays and it was pleasing to see the interest shown in our efforts on behalf of the community. We look forward to future involvement.
Many of you will know we have been looking to fill the positions of Secretary and Treasurer for some time and, at last, I'm pleased to say we are 'there'. Barbara Harris has joined as Secretary and is proving a very good 'signing' with her high level experience in a massive organisation. Over the last week I have had an undertaking from our soon to be Treasurer, again someone with experience in her field, detail to be unveiled in our next edition.
Please read on to learn of our specific activities and enjoy the lingering days of hopefully fine weather.
August 2021:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter.
Since our last newsletter, we have held our long planned Strategy Workshop – delayed due to Covid – to look to the future direction and work of BW. It was a productive meeting and a pleasure to meet on a face-to-face basis with other Steering Group members again. We have much still to do, but you will find a brief update of the meeting below.
In relation to the massive housing development that will be built on Racecourse Approach over the coming years, there is little to report since our previous newsletter. The Design Workshop process has basically been on hold for a few weeks, but it is pleasing that the previous Workshop discussions with the house builders, Taylor Wimpey and Leeds City Council planners, have been positive. BW look forward to a resumption of the consultation process as we continue our efforts to get the best possible outcome for the residents of Wetherby and surrounding villages. I hope to be able to provide an update in the next newsletter.
You will find details below about the forthcoming Wetherby Festival in September and an Eco Fair in October. BW will be mounting displays at both events, so I encourage you to come along and learn more about our work. Those of us actively involved in BW are all volunteers, but we would welcome further support. We particularly need someone to take over the role of Treasurer, so please think about getting involved and helping our efforts. I will be pleased to provide further information and can be contacted on [email protected].
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Thanks for reading.
June 2021:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter. As the vaccination programme continues to be rolled out at pace, and the country makes a slow and careful return to normality, BW continues to be very active.
Since our last newsletter, I along with other BW representatives have been involved in the latest round of Design Workshops about the massive development that will be built on Racecourse Approach over the coming years. Building has yet to start as BW continues to try to get the best possible outcome for the residents of Wetherby and surrounding villages. But it is pleasing to report that discussions with the house builders, Taylor Wimpey and Leeds City Council planners, have been useful and carried out in a good way. You will find more in the piece below.
Next month we are holding our long delayed Strategy Workshop to map out the future plans of BW. I have to say it will be rather nice to meet face-to-face instead of on a computer screen using Zoom! We will give you an update on our discussions in the next newsletter.
I am delighted to welcome Barbara Harris as the new Secretary of BW. Barbara is a great addition to our team. However, we still need someone to take over the role of Treasurer. So please, dear reader, think about volunteering. I will be pleased to provide further information and can be contacted by email at [email protected].
Finally, congratulations to my BW colleague and our Deputy Chair, Norma Harrington, on her recent award of ‘Towns-person of the Year’, run by Wetherby Lions. Norma is a great worker across our community. In addition to her duties as a Ward Councillor, she is a great networker and ‘bringer together of organisations in the Town’. Well done, Norma!
Enjoy the summer months and the improving weather. Thanks for reading.
March 2021:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Better Wetherby (BW) Newsletter. Well, the nights are getting lighter, even if we are still a little chilled and damp. But, above all, spirits are lifting. As I pen this piece there is an increasingly stronger light at the end of the COVID tunnel and we are now able to look forward to seeing the spring flowers blossom and businesses in our great town opening their doors once more.
Whilst a full return to normality will take time and we will have to live with COVID as we do with 'flu, I for one can't wait to see our pubs, shops and restaurants busy and thriving again, not just with us locals, but racegoers and tourists.
BW too can now start to plan ahead. Our long delayed Workshop to pen our future can now be planned, with full participation in place of a Zoom screen. That said, despite the pandemic restrictions, we continue to be active. Over several months, BW has provided constructive input to the Taylor Wimpey Design Workshops for the massive Racecourse Approach development. Unfortunately the workshops are currently paused, mainly due to the heavy workload of Leeds City Planners, but we hope to continue our productive and positive contributions when the workshops resume over the coming weeks. Also, during March, Taylor Wimpey's Planning Consultant has agreed to give a presentation to the BW Steering Group, another positive demonstration of co-operation as we seek to get the exemplar development Wetherby deserves, given the substantial effect it will have on our Town.
BW representatives recently had a meeting with Leeds City Council (LCC) on Sustainable Development, Transport and the Climate Emergency, see report below. We also continue to work closely with Wetherby Town Council on these matters.
Also reported elsewhere we are working closely with several authorities in connection with the soon to be completed Spofforth Park development which, so far, has neglected some of its important planning obligations. We also continue to monitor other issues around development elsewhere in Wetherby.
Keep well, stay safe and vigilant and enjoy the spring. Thanks for reading.
January 2021:
Welcome to the first Better Wetherby Partnership Newsletter of 2021. A belated Happy New Year to you all.
As we ring out the old year, this is a fresh beginning and a time to be optimistic. After such a dreadful 2020 dominated by COVID-19, the current roll-out of vaccines seems to be going well. Over the next few months, as a greater percentage of the population receive the jabs, we can perhaps allow ourselves to be hopeful that our lives will return to something like they were before the arrival of the pandemic around 12 months ago.
My BW colleagues and myself look forward to a successful year in our efforts to help make Wetherby and the surrounding villages better for the community of both current and future generations. We continue our meetings, both internal and external, and over the next week we will be meeting with representatives of Leeds City Council (LCC) to discuss Wetherby centric issues around Climate, Transport and Sustainable Development. These are very important matters to our town, especially with planned housing developments on the horizon.
One of these is the large, 800 house development by Taylor Wimpey on Racecourse Approach. In the December newsletter we reported on the participation of BW representatives in the Design Workshops for this large project (FYI, discussion documents can be viewed here.). The Workshops started in September 2020 and good progress has been made despite the fact that they had to take place virtually via Zoom. It is unfortunate that, due to the pandemic, there has been some slippage in the timetable for these meetings. However, once the workshop programme resumes, hopefully over the coming weeks, BW will be contributing and progress will be reported in future newsletters.
In the previous newsletter I also reported on efforts being made to resolve outstanding Landscaping issues with Bellway at the Spofforth Park development. These efforts continue, as you will see in the newsletter.
I have mentioned in previous newsletters that we are seeking volunteers to take over the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. I regret that both positions are yet to be filled. I know that there are many highly capable people amongst our supporters, so I really would appreciate it, dear reader, if you would think about helping.
Although the vaccine is coming over the hill, there is still a long way to go, so please remain vigilant and keep safe. Thanks for reading and for your continued support.
December 2020:
Welcome to the latest Better Wetherby Partnership Newsletter. As we approach the end of 2020, sadly a year always to be remembered for the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic, we had the welcome news of the development of effective vaccines and the start of the vaccination process. Hopefully, over the coming weeks and months, as the roll-out of vaccines gathers pace, we can look forward to more positive times and being able to meet face-to-face again instead of on Zoom.
The end of the calendar year is a good time to reflect on the work of Better Wetherby (BW). It is just 12 months ago since Paul Crossan and other BW representatives stood in the Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) Chamber at the start of the Stockeld Public Inquiry. Largely due to the significant efforts of Paul and the BW team, the Appeal to build 210 houses on the boundary with Wetherby was dismissed. That was an exercise
which taught us much. The experience has been put to good use, particularly with our current efforts participating in Design Workshops for the Racecourse Approach development by Taylor Wimpey. See the newsletter for more details.
In the last newsletter I reported on efforts being made to resolve outstanding Landscaping issues with Bellway at the Spofforth Park development. Our efforts are continuing with Officers of both HBC and Leeds City Council (LCC) in trying to get a satisfactory solution to the screening of the development from the Harrogate side and other issues relating to the Footpaths and Bridleways around the site. This is a matter which I feel will run well into next year but which, I believe, will result in a positive outcome for the people of Wetherby.
In the last newsletter I mentioned that we are seeking volunteers to take over the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. Both positions are yet to be filled, so I would love to hear from anyone who wishes to learn more about how they might be able to help. My contact details are in the newsletter, I would be happy to speak/communicate with you directly.
Thank you for your support over the past year. On behalf of all at BW, may I wish you and your loved ones an enjoyable time over the festive period and a very happy and healthy 2021.
Keep safe and thanks for reading.
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.
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.
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.
May 2020:
Welcome to the latest Newsletter from the Better Wetherby Partnership. Yes we're still here and active! Since my election to Chair in February life has changed in so many ways and although Members of BW have been observing Government Guidance in all respects we have kept busy as the content of this Newsletter will show. Seeking to make Wetherby and surrounding villages better for current and future generations remains at the top of our priorities.
These are dark times and for those of you who have suffered illness at home or been hospitalised and now recovering or under treatment we send our best wishes. For those who may have lost family, loved ones or someone close we send our deepest sympathy.
However, to paraphrase Her Majesty the Queen and Captain, now Sir Tom Moore, we will get through this and we will meet again. I have seen something of this spirit in Wetherby over recent weeks, the sterling efforts of our butchers, bakers, hardware stores, greengrocers, banks, chemists, newsagents, filling stations and supermarkets have all made a great contribution. Social distancing for me has lead to conversations with those 2 metres away who I had never met before, helped by the dry if cold weather, shop assistants saying “Don't stand out in the cold, come round to the side door and order there”. The checkout operators at Morrisons singing 'We'll meet again' on VE Day. A super spirit which I hope will remain as we start to see a slow easing of the rules that we have obeyed for over two months now.
Over the period I had hoped to take forward the great work of BW and by now have outlined the future as we see it at a public meeting - but that will have to wait. In the interim BW continues. We have challenges to face, the proposed development at Racecourse Approach, The Leeds Council Climate Emergency and its effect on Wetherby and planned developments, public transport, road congestion, air quality and other topics where I believe BW can and will be a leading force for improving our community.
Now for the kicker, as marketing people put it. Last winter saw BW play a pivotal role in defeating the Appeal by Stockeld Estate / Hallam Land against the refusal of Harrogate Borough to grant planning consent for 210 houses, this would have had a significant effect on Wetherby. We achieved our victory by the efforts of BW but one individual in particular, Paul Crossan who “played a blinder”. We did all this on a financial shoestring and if we are to ensure that we hold the relevant bodies to account in future in order to get the right development in the right place and avoid the wrecking of our quality of life in this lovely town, we need money. Money to enable us to employ the best quality professional advice and money to make our message heard in a wider audience. There are details in the newsletter about how you can help us, please give our messages and our work some serious thought and join the cause, you never know, you may find your contribution more rewarding than yet another jigsaw puzzle.
Thanks for reading, stay safe.
Roger Owen; Chair
Better Wetherby Partnership
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.
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.
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.
May 2020:
Welcome to the latest Newsletter from the Better Wetherby Partnership. Yes we're still here and active! Since my election to Chair in February life has changed in so many ways and although Members of BW have been observing Government Guidance in all respects we have kept busy as the content of this Newsletter will show. Seeking to make Wetherby and surrounding villages better for current and future generations remains at the top of our priorities.
These are dark times and for those of you who have suffered illness at home or been hospitalised and now recovering or under treatment we send our best wishes. For those who may have lost family, loved ones or someone close we send our deepest sympathy.
However, to paraphrase Her Majesty the Queen and Captain, now Sir Tom Moore, we will get through this and we will meet again. I have seen something of this spirit in Wetherby over recent weeks, the sterling efforts of our butchers, bakers, hardware stores, greengrocers, banks, chemists, newsagents, filling stations and supermarkets have all made a great contribution. Social distancing for me has lead to conversations with those 2 metres away who I had never met before, helped by the dry if cold weather, shop assistants saying “Don't stand out in the cold, come round to the side door and order there”. The checkout operators at Morrisons singing 'We'll meet again' on VE Day. A super spirit which I hope will remain as we start to see a slow easing of the rules that we have obeyed for over two months now.
Over the period I had hoped to take forward the great work of BW and by now have outlined the future as we see it at a public meeting - but that will have to wait. In the interim BW continues. We have challenges to face, the proposed development at Racecourse Approach, The Leeds Council Climate Emergency and its effect on Wetherby and planned developments, public transport, road congestion, air quality and other topics where I believe BW can and will be a leading force for improving our community.
Now for the kicker, as marketing people put it. Last winter saw BW play a pivotal role in defeating the Appeal by Stockeld Estate / Hallam Land against the refusal of Harrogate Borough to grant planning consent for 210 houses, this would have had a significant effect on Wetherby. We achieved our victory by the efforts of BW but one individual in particular, Paul Crossan who “played a blinder”. We did all this on a financial shoestring and if we are to ensure that we hold the relevant bodies to account in future in order to get the right development in the right place and avoid the wrecking of our quality of life in this lovely town, we need money. Money to enable us to employ the best quality professional advice and money to make our message heard in a wider audience. There are details in the newsletter about how you can help us, please give our messages and our work some serious thought and join the cause, you never know, you may find your contribution more rewarding than yet another jigsaw puzzle.
Thanks for reading, stay safe.
Roger Owen; Chair
Better Wetherby Partnership
See also links to Better Wetherby in the News and to our Newsletters