York Green Party objects to application 18/02687/OUTM on the following three
grounds:
- Building on the Green Belt: In the York Plan the area covered is clearly
shown as green belt land (see http://www.york.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/15873/cd004b_-_city_of_york_publication_draft_local_plan_policies_maps_-_south.pdf).
This development would have a significant impact on the green belt by
pushing the development envelope further Southwards. The area was
explicitly taken out of earlier versions the Local Plan after strong local
campaigning to protect Askham Bog, and therefore it is especially
inappropriate that it should be developed, especially whilst the Local
Plan is being considered. Given that the population projections for York
have actually fallen since the Local Plan was submitted there is clearly
no need for development in areas that are not designated for development
in the York Plan.
- Endangering Askham Bog SSSI: The proposed development comes perilously
close to the exceptional SSSI at Askham Bog, the most important
conservation site in York, and the only SSSI in York of national
importance. Whilst the submitted outline plan does show some
amelioration for the area (including the building of a bund) experience
shows that a development this close will inevitably lead to significant
damage to a precious and much loved area. Further, the plan will alter the
watercourses in the area, and we cannot know how much damage to the SSSI
this will lead to, but we do know that it is very sensitive to changes in
water level. Completely enclosing Askham Bog by developments, as this
effectively would, would be a severe risk. The Bund itself could endanger
the SSSI by altering the way water moves through Askham Bog.
- Non-sustainable development: The masterplan shows that all houses are
intended to have garages (https://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/files/9CEF977E2DDE796CBDAFCA505F75F1A8/pdf/18_02687_OUTM-ILLUSTRATIVE_MASTERPLAN-2081249.pdf)
this is not sustainable at a time when we need to move away from reliance
on cars because of CO2 emissions relating to climate change, pollution
from car exhausts and congestion. A sustainable development so close to
the city centre would recognise that car usage needs to be reduced and
would plan accordingly.
