MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
A very warm welcome to our latest BW Newsletter.
Spring is sprung and green shoots are appearing, the same for BW. My thanks to all who attended our ‘Conversations’ event at the Bridge Hotel last month. It brought forward several offers of support, both in the time individuals could give and interest in joining us on a more regular basis. I am delighted that a number have accepted our invitation to the May Steering Group meeting.
Part of the recent event was to throw the discussion open. In addition to comments about our current activities, several remarks were made about the possible impact that BW could make on our town in areas such as retail improvement, highways and other issues. Much of this is outside the direct influence of BW, however we will aim to include these issues as part of the discussion with our existing partners and business organisations. Rest assured we will not be sitting on our hands.
In the meantime, the proposed Maltkiln development, around Cattal, is front and centre as a major threat to the future of Wetherby in terms of strain on already stretched services and the impact on parking, congestion, air quality etc. in our town. You will find more information about Maltkiln and a public consultation event below. There is a long way to go yet for the scheme, but North Yorkshire Council seem hell bent on imposing this upon us. I urge all of you to think carefully about the implications for Wetherby and surrounding villages.
In relation the refusal of the Lidl application last October, it is surprising and disappointing, considering that the grounds for refusal were so clear, that the company has now lodged a last minute appeal against the decision. BW will keep readers informed as to how this saga progresses.
Have a warmer few weeks, enjoy the changing season and thanks for reading.
Roger Owen
Chair: Better Wetherby Partnership
LIDL PLANNING APPLICATION – APPEAL AGAINST REFUSAL SUBMITTED!
On 19th October 2023, the Leeds City Council’s North and East Plans Panel made a decision to refuse Lidl’s application to demolish the Mercure Hotel and build a Lidl store and adjoining retirement accommodation. The company was allowed a period of six months in which to lodge an appeal. Shortly before the deadline expired, Lidl registered an appeal.
The grounds for refusal were very clearly outlined by the Plans Panel and 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 monitor the situation and report further in future newsletters. See application 23/01507/FU on the Leeds Council Plans Portal for full details.
MALTKILN UPDATE – PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON 7TH MAY
A revised Plan document for this new development was submitted by North Yorkshire Council on 27 March 2024. The headline figures are that there will now be at least 3,000 new homes and a new community of over 8,000 residents, located only a few miles north-east of Wetherby. The Development Plan submission documents can be viewed on the Council’s website:
The next stage in the process is that there will be an Examination of the Plan by an Independent Planning Inspector in late 2024. This will be arranged by the Planning Inspectorate.
If this goes ahead, this huge development, only a 10-to-15-minute drive from Wetherby, will undoubtedly have major implications for our local area. Such a large settlement is likely to result in around 4,500/5,000 additional cars, placing further strain on our already congested local roads and parking. BW will be closely monitoring the situation over the coming months and report further when the dates of the Planning Inquiry are known.
It was recently announced by the Wetherby-based developers, Caddick Group, that a public consultation will take place between 2pm and 8pm on Tuesday, 7th May at Kirk Hammerton Village Hall. It presents a good opportunity to learn more about the plans for this huge new settlement, further details can be found at: www.maltkilnvillage.co.uk/.
An article about this can also be seen on the “Stray Ferret” website.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BETTER WETHERBY
The Bridge Hotel at Walshford on the evening of 17th April was the venue for a well-attended event hosted by Better Wetherby.
In welcoming people, BW Chair, Roger Owen, emphasised that BW was non-political, and the organisation was committed to working with all sections of the community to achieve positive results for the benefit the town and surrounding villages. He gave an overview of the activities of BW and challenges ahead.
Wetherby Ward Councillor, Alan Lamb, provided an update regarding progress to rebuild Wetherby High School and plans to build a new Sports and Leisure Centre in the school grounds. Councillor Lamb also provided updates about Leeds City Council proposals to introduce parking charges in the town and the situation regarding public transport.
Other topics covered included the major housing developments planned by Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes on Racecourse Approach and the proposed Maltkiln development to build at least 3,000 new homes around Cattal in North Yorkshire, just a few miles from Wetherby.
Directors of BW, Les Tyler and Pete Swales, outlined the need to build upon and sustain this community-led partnership.
Some members of the audience suggested that BW should consider broadening its remit to include seeking solutions to local issues such as the number of vacant shops in the town centre. BW Chair, Roger Owen, said that Wetherby Town Council and the Business Association, were addressing these matters. However, BW would be pleased to work with them and other local groups to assist where possible.
Following the meeting, Mr Owen said, “I thank all those who attended. Although many local people are aware of the work of BW, and we now have a circulation list of over 800 for our newsletter, it’s very important that we continue to build upon the achievements of the last few years. We need to ensure that the organisation has the volunteers to help maintain the partnership and allow us to continue efforts to prevent excessive and harmful development over the coming years. It was particularly pleasing that the meeting resulted in a number of people expressing their interest in helping our efforts.”
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.
A very warm welcome to our latest BW Newsletter.
Spring is sprung and green shoots are appearing, the same for BW. My thanks to all who attended our ‘Conversations’ event at the Bridge Hotel last month. It brought forward several offers of support, both in the time individuals could give and interest in joining us on a more regular basis. I am delighted that a number have accepted our invitation to the May Steering Group meeting.
Part of the recent event was to throw the discussion open. In addition to comments about our current activities, several remarks were made about the possible impact that BW could make on our town in areas such as retail improvement, highways and other issues. Much of this is outside the direct influence of BW, however we will aim to include these issues as part of the discussion with our existing partners and business organisations. Rest assured we will not be sitting on our hands.
In the meantime, the proposed Maltkiln development, around Cattal, is front and centre as a major threat to the future of Wetherby in terms of strain on already stretched services and the impact on parking, congestion, air quality etc. in our town. You will find more information about Maltkiln and a public consultation event below. There is a long way to go yet for the scheme, but North Yorkshire Council seem hell bent on imposing this upon us. I urge all of you to think carefully about the implications for Wetherby and surrounding villages.
In relation the refusal of the Lidl application last October, it is surprising and disappointing, considering that the grounds for refusal were so clear, that the company has now lodged a last minute appeal against the decision. BW will keep readers informed as to how this saga progresses.
Have a warmer few weeks, enjoy the changing season and thanks for reading.
Roger Owen
Chair: Better Wetherby Partnership
LIDL PLANNING APPLICATION – APPEAL AGAINST REFUSAL SUBMITTED!
On 19th October 2023, the Leeds City Council’s North and East Plans Panel made a decision to refuse Lidl’s application to demolish the Mercure Hotel and build a Lidl store and adjoining retirement accommodation. The company was allowed a period of six months in which to lodge an appeal. Shortly before the deadline expired, Lidl registered an appeal.
The grounds for refusal were very clearly outlined by the Plans Panel and 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 monitor the situation and report further in future newsletters. See application 23/01507/FU on the Leeds Council Plans Portal for full details.
MALTKILN UPDATE – PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON 7TH MAY
A revised Plan document for this new development was submitted by North Yorkshire Council on 27 March 2024. The headline figures are that there will now be at least 3,000 new homes and a new community of over 8,000 residents, located only a few miles north-east of Wetherby. The Development Plan submission documents can be viewed on the Council’s website:
The next stage in the process is that there will be an Examination of the Plan by an Independent Planning Inspector in late 2024. This will be arranged by the Planning Inspectorate.
If this goes ahead, this huge development, only a 10-to-15-minute drive from Wetherby, will undoubtedly have major implications for our local area. Such a large settlement is likely to result in around 4,500/5,000 additional cars, placing further strain on our already congested local roads and parking. BW will be closely monitoring the situation over the coming months and report further when the dates of the Planning Inquiry are known.
It was recently announced by the Wetherby-based developers, Caddick Group, that a public consultation will take place between 2pm and 8pm on Tuesday, 7th May at Kirk Hammerton Village Hall. It presents a good opportunity to learn more about the plans for this huge new settlement, further details can be found at: www.maltkilnvillage.co.uk/.
An article about this can also be seen on the “Stray Ferret” website.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BETTER WETHERBY
The Bridge Hotel at Walshford on the evening of 17th April was the venue for a well-attended event hosted by Better Wetherby.
In welcoming people, BW Chair, Roger Owen, emphasised that BW was non-political, and the organisation was committed to working with all sections of the community to achieve positive results for the benefit the town and surrounding villages. He gave an overview of the activities of BW and challenges ahead.
Wetherby Ward Councillor, Alan Lamb, provided an update regarding progress to rebuild Wetherby High School and plans to build a new Sports and Leisure Centre in the school grounds. Councillor Lamb also provided updates about Leeds City Council proposals to introduce parking charges in the town and the situation regarding public transport.
Other topics covered included the major housing developments planned by Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes on Racecourse Approach and the proposed Maltkiln development to build at least 3,000 new homes around Cattal in North Yorkshire, just a few miles from Wetherby.
Directors of BW, Les Tyler and Pete Swales, outlined the need to build upon and sustain this community-led partnership.
Some members of the audience suggested that BW should consider broadening its remit to include seeking solutions to local issues such as the number of vacant shops in the town centre. BW Chair, Roger Owen, said that Wetherby Town Council and the Business Association, were addressing these matters. However, BW would be pleased to work with them and other local groups to assist where possible.
Following the meeting, Mr Owen said, “I thank all those who attended. Although many local people are aware of the work of BW, and we now have a circulation list of over 800 for our newsletter, it’s very important that we continue to build upon the achievements of the last few years. We need to ensure that the organisation has the volunteers to help maintain the partnership and allow us to continue efforts to prevent excessive and harmful development over the coming years. It was particularly pleasing that the meeting resulted in a number of people expressing their interest in helping our efforts.”
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.
