MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2024. I start by extending best wishes from all at BW for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year - hopefully free of extreme weather and any more scandals such as we have seen exposed at the Post Office!
As you read this latest issue I hope you will pick up on the fact that through the holiday period things are still on-going and they are commented item by item. Not to repeat what you are about to read I would pick up on one or two specific items.
Firstly, given that Persimmon have now submitted their Application for the development of the remainder of Racecourse Approach, BW looks forward to working with them, and our partners, with the aim of achieving an exemplar scheme as we did with Taylor Wimpey.
Secondly, BW has been attempting to arrange meetings with both Leeds City and North Yorkshire Planners with the aim of achieving closer ties where proposed development spans our border. This is particularly relevant to the so called ‘Maltkiln’ development around Cattal where NYC have indicated they are prepared to use Compulsory Purchase to achieve a 4,000 dwelling settlement which will bring yet more stress to all aspects of our Town. As we go to issue on this newsletter North Yorkshire Council have announced they intend to proceed with the scheme subject to approval of full Council at the end of February. An Application (19/00017/EIAMAJ) has already been lodged and the recent announcement was reported in the online newspaper Stray Ferret on 10th January.
One of the negative spin-offs of such a massive development will be the added burden on Wetherby’s already congested roads, parking spaces and inadequate public transport services. BW is therefore pleased to be specifically included in Mayor Brabin’s WYCA consultation process around all forms of public transport - watch this space.
Finally, we are planning another ‘Conversations with BW’ event and prior to that we will be renewing contact with those we have neglected over recent months.
Thanks for reading. Have a great year!
Roger Owen
Chair: Better Wetherby Partnership
LIDL PLANNING APPLICATION REFUSAL
Following the refusal on 19th October 2023 of Lidl’s application (23/01507/FU) to demolish the Mercure Hotel and build a Lidl store and adjoining retirement accommodation, there has, as yet, been no appeal against the decision by Leeds City Council’s North and East Plans Panel. It should be noted, however, that the company has six months from the date of refusal to lodge an appeal. Grounds for refusal included the fact that the Application was contrary to the adopted Leeds Site Allocation Plan and Local Plan, together with the adopted Wetherby Neighbourhood Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. BW will continue to monitor the situation.
RACECOURSE APPROACH – NEW PERSIMMON HOMES PLANNING APPLICATION
Later this year Taylor Wimpey intend to start building what will be known as the Swinnow Park development on the Racecourse Approach site, north of Wetherby Racecourse. Building will take place over a period of several years and will eventually total 762 dwellings. Persimmon recently submitted a formal planning application to build a further 130 houses adjacent to the Taylor Wimpey site. Details of the Application can be found on the Leeds Plans Portal - Application 23/07190/FU.
At the suggestion of BW, Persimmon held a public display of their plans at Wetherby Town Hall on 9th November 2023. This proved to be a useful exercise in giving members of the public the opportunity to review and comment on the proposals. Over many months of meetings and design workshops, BW contributed significantly to the building and design process for the TW development. BW will be undertaking a similar role with Persimmon Homes with the aim of ensuring the best outcome and an exemplar development for Wetherby.
WETHERBY DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CRAFT FAYRE
Many thanks to all who braved the rain to visit the Better Wetherby display at the Dickensian Market. Despite the miserable weather there was plenty to cheer people up with music, singing, great displays, stalls and other attractions. Well done to Wetherby Lions and all involved for putting on such a super event and raising funds to provide a complimentary ‘Senior Citizens’ Persons Party.’
CONVERSATIONS WITH BETTER WETHERBY EVENT – WATCH THIS SPACE!
Following the useful ‘Conversations’ event held at the Bridge Hotel, Walshford in April 2023, BW is currently arranging a similar event in the Spring. Details to follow.
PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE PARKING CHARGES FOR WETHERBY
At a well-attended public meeting on 5th December, strong opposition was voiced to Leeds City Council officials at proposals to introduce parking charges at the Wilderness and Old Station car parks. Almost 5,000 people have now signed a petition opposing the proposals. The formal consultation exercise on the proposals concluded on 11th January, however there is still opportunity to sign the petition. A final decision by LCC is now awaited.
WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (WYCA) TRANSPORT CONSULTATION
A consultation exercise on how bus services are run in West Yorkshire concluded on 7th January. A decision on whether to introduce a proposed Franchising Scheme is expected from Mayor Brabin in March 2024.
WETHERBY 200 – SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER 2024 – SAVE THE DATE
Plans led by Wetherby Civic Society (WCS) are well advanced to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the ‘Great Sale of Wetherby’ on Saturday, 12th October. The bicentenary commemorates the auction sale by the Duke of Devonshire of the Manor of Wetherby, which included the whole of the town and its surrounding fields. The celebrations marking the occasion will provide a wide range of entertainment together with a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of the town.
Further information can be found on Facebook and on the WCS website.
JOIN US
If you wish to be included on our mailing list, please send a request via our website or by email to [email protected].
Please feel free to share this newsletter - the more people that are aware of these important local issues, the better.
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2024. I start by extending best wishes from all at BW for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year - hopefully free of extreme weather and any more scandals such as we have seen exposed at the Post Office!
As you read this latest issue I hope you will pick up on the fact that through the holiday period things are still on-going and they are commented item by item. Not to repeat what you are about to read I would pick up on one or two specific items.
Firstly, given that Persimmon have now submitted their Application for the development of the remainder of Racecourse Approach, BW looks forward to working with them, and our partners, with the aim of achieving an exemplar scheme as we did with Taylor Wimpey.
Secondly, BW has been attempting to arrange meetings with both Leeds City and North Yorkshire Planners with the aim of achieving closer ties where proposed development spans our border. This is particularly relevant to the so called ‘Maltkiln’ development around Cattal where NYC have indicated they are prepared to use Compulsory Purchase to achieve a 4,000 dwelling settlement which will bring yet more stress to all aspects of our Town. As we go to issue on this newsletter North Yorkshire Council have announced they intend to proceed with the scheme subject to approval of full Council at the end of February. An Application (19/00017/EIAMAJ) has already been lodged and the recent announcement was reported in the online newspaper Stray Ferret on 10th January.
One of the negative spin-offs of such a massive development will be the added burden on Wetherby’s already congested roads, parking spaces and inadequate public transport services. BW is therefore pleased to be specifically included in Mayor Brabin’s WYCA consultation process around all forms of public transport - watch this space.
Finally, we are planning another ‘Conversations with BW’ event and prior to that we will be renewing contact with those we have neglected over recent months.
Thanks for reading. Have a great year!
Roger Owen
Chair: Better Wetherby Partnership
LIDL PLANNING APPLICATION REFUSAL
Following the refusal on 19th October 2023 of Lidl’s application (23/01507/FU) to demolish the Mercure Hotel and build a Lidl store and adjoining retirement accommodation, there has, as yet, been no appeal against the decision by Leeds City Council’s North and East Plans Panel. It should be noted, however, that the company has six months from the date of refusal to lodge an appeal. Grounds for refusal included the fact that the Application was contrary to the adopted Leeds Site Allocation Plan and Local Plan, together with the adopted Wetherby Neighbourhood Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. BW will continue to monitor the situation.
RACECOURSE APPROACH – NEW PERSIMMON HOMES PLANNING APPLICATION
Later this year Taylor Wimpey intend to start building what will be known as the Swinnow Park development on the Racecourse Approach site, north of Wetherby Racecourse. Building will take place over a period of several years and will eventually total 762 dwellings. Persimmon recently submitted a formal planning application to build a further 130 houses adjacent to the Taylor Wimpey site. Details of the Application can be found on the Leeds Plans Portal - Application 23/07190/FU.
At the suggestion of BW, Persimmon held a public display of their plans at Wetherby Town Hall on 9th November 2023. This proved to be a useful exercise in giving members of the public the opportunity to review and comment on the proposals. Over many months of meetings and design workshops, BW contributed significantly to the building and design process for the TW development. BW will be undertaking a similar role with Persimmon Homes with the aim of ensuring the best outcome and an exemplar development for Wetherby.
WETHERBY DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CRAFT FAYRE
Many thanks to all who braved the rain to visit the Better Wetherby display at the Dickensian Market. Despite the miserable weather there was plenty to cheer people up with music, singing, great displays, stalls and other attractions. Well done to Wetherby Lions and all involved for putting on such a super event and raising funds to provide a complimentary ‘Senior Citizens’ Persons Party.’
CONVERSATIONS WITH BETTER WETHERBY EVENT – WATCH THIS SPACE!
Following the useful ‘Conversations’ event held at the Bridge Hotel, Walshford in April 2023, BW is currently arranging a similar event in the Spring. Details to follow.
PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE PARKING CHARGES FOR WETHERBY
At a well-attended public meeting on 5th December, strong opposition was voiced to Leeds City Council officials at proposals to introduce parking charges at the Wilderness and Old Station car parks. Almost 5,000 people have now signed a petition opposing the proposals. The formal consultation exercise on the proposals concluded on 11th January, however there is still opportunity to sign the petition. A final decision by LCC is now awaited.
WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (WYCA) TRANSPORT CONSULTATION
A consultation exercise on how bus services are run in West Yorkshire concluded on 7th January. A decision on whether to introduce a proposed Franchising Scheme is expected from Mayor Brabin in March 2024.
WETHERBY 200 – SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER 2024 – SAVE THE DATE
Plans led by Wetherby Civic Society (WCS) are well advanced to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the ‘Great Sale of Wetherby’ on Saturday, 12th October. The bicentenary commemorates the auction sale by the Duke of Devonshire of the Manor of Wetherby, which included the whole of the town and its surrounding fields. The celebrations marking the occasion will provide a wide range of entertainment together with a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of the town.
Further information can be found on Facebook and on the WCS website.
JOIN US
If you wish to be included on our mailing list, please send a request via our website or by email to [email protected].
Please feel free to share this newsletter - the more people that are aware of these important local issues, the better.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT BW? CONTACT US:
If any local organisations wish to learn more about BW, a talk about our activities can be arranged.
We also very much welcome and encourage volunteers and supporters to assist our efforts.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT BW? CONTACT US:
If any local organisations wish to learn more about BW, a talk about our activities can be arranged.
We also very much welcome and encourage volunteers and supporters to assist our efforts.
