RSPB Petition against Walshaw Track
From George Murphy
Saturday, 7 April 2018
This forum has a long and proud tradition of raising awareness about the condition of Walshaw Moor, especially in relation to flooding, global warming and protection of wild life. Could readers please consider the merits of the RSPB objections to the proposed raised trackway/road across blanket bog, as described in the News section of HebWeb?
Many people marched up to the moors on 12th August in 2012 to raise awareness of these issues and to challenge the changed policies of Natural England who have now supported this planning application by the landowners.
It would be a pity if this application was nodded through because we are between floods! However, please consider the arguments made by both sides - and, if you can, provide more knowledgeable advice than I can provide on this forum.
From George Murphy
Monday, 9 April 2018
The deadlines for objections to the planning application was on 3rd April. Therefore, it would be useful to contact local councillors through the media, or directly, if you wish to object to the new road across blanket bog.Thanks to those who were more alert on this and may have already responded.
From Kez Armitage
Tuesday, 10 April 2018
Don't be put off submitting comments after the deadline date. Comments can be taken into account right up to the time of determination. The deadline only marks a statutory period of three weeks from the initial publicity.
Given that there are 95 objections and no supporters for this scheme, it would be a brave Planning Officer who nodded it through at this stage. Chances are it'll go to Committee, and I don't think there's a date for that yet. So keep those letters coming!
From Carole Turner
Wednesday, 9 May 2018
Dr Mark Avery is crowdfunding a legal action for a judicial review of Natural England's approval of a so-called management plan for this moorland, including the track.
Please read this and consider contributing. As someone said "Many people with shallow pockets can challenge the few with deep pockets"
If this flawed plan goes through, it sets a precedent for other similar areas of moorland. All to enable those who enjoy killing our wild birds for sport and trashing the upland biodiversity along with it.
Don't forget the flooding also. It'll happen again if we don't stop this damage to our uplands.
From Tim B
Friday, 11 May 2018
Natural England have conceded that the track would be illegal. See latest from Mark Avery