Planning appeal to build more than 500 homes is thrown out

An appeal against City of York Council’s decision to reject planning consent to build 516 homes has been dismissed.

There has been a long-running campaign to stop the development of land adjacent to Ashkam Bog. The site is off Moor Lane, Woodthorpe.

Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, confirmed he was informed of the ruling by the Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher.

Following a recommendation from the Planning Inspector, the Minister has decided to dismiss developer Barwood’s appeal against the council’s earlier decision to refuse permission.

Sturdy had previously led a cross-party group of MPs in writing to the Minister to raise concerns about the impact of the development on the ecology of the Askham Bog Site of Special Scientific Interest. (SSSI)

Responding to the latest news, he said: “In these difficult times I am delighted to report some good news for everyone who cares about the local environment here in York.

“Local people have been unanimous in their opposition to the development proposals near Askham Bog. The campaign has attracted national attention, including from Sir David Attenborough who rightly described the site as ‘irreplaceable’.

“My thanks go to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust who have been instrumental in informing the debate about the potential ecological damage to the SSSI and to everyone who has made representations at both a local and national level.

“The work to conserve Askham Bog goes on and I hope that this news means it will remain a special place for generations to come.”

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which runs the site, said: “We are thrilled that Askham Bog can now continue to thrive as a special place for wildlife and the people of York for years to come.”