BACKGROUND TO DEVELOPMENT
Use this page to find updates and keep up to date with the planing applications for proposed developments. Judy Woods is under threat by a large development allocation that goes beyond the 05/0197/OUT submission . Clicking on the Master plan 1.8 MGB pdf Link will show the full extent of the development which we believe will effect the Integrity and wildlife of the nearby woodland . Potentially upward of 700 houses could be placed close to the woodland footprint causing irreparable damage to the waterfowl of Royds Hall Dam and to protected species such as Bats and other creatures which will be disrupted by urban spread noise light vandalism and other problems. Read our detailed list of objections or pay planning a visit and look at the astonishing case 98/01609/OUT and renewal 05/0197/OUT. Judy Woods is Ancient Woodland with a NE( SEGI ( Royds Hall Beck).
We point to the case example of Horton Bank Top which consisted of two reservoirs which have been filled in and built on and in the context of developement is a highly likely consequence
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NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS APRIL
2006
A note of thanks to all those who have supported
us especially on the legal side . Thank you and to all on the web who have
contributed . We recommend SAPLING
SAPLING Architecture, Planning & Landscape INformation Gateway
Here is the update for the people of Woodside !!! Mrs Fitzpatrick ( Debbie ) and Joseph (Age 11) packed there bags and heded for London this week in order to sit in and support Catherine Robinson in the Oxfordshire Trpa Case at the House of Lords ( it would seem debbie is doing a better job than our 3 local councillors ) . We are pleased to report that despite the councils attempt to fence of the Village green at a cost of £7000 of YOUIR money to stop YOU walking in YOUR environment the trap Case Ruling will help OUR legal case
So how well are Assett Management perforning well back in 2003/4 Colin Duke called for an immediate investigation into aspects of Assett Management and the Council - Oh by the way the email was sent to all 92 Coucillors so we think there is not much to be proud of here . In March 2006 after much finanncial damnage has been done and monies wasted the District Auditor finally reported , somewhat dammining we thought , but it seem of no consequence as he did not see fit to use his legal powers . Just in case you have difficulty finding the District Auditors report , ( which it was a kegal duty for the council to make available ) here is the link so you may read it yourself
District Auditors Report
Once again the Judy Heritage Campaign challenges the Council . The Campaign will serve writ on the Council for Wreckless endangerment , yhe Pre Action protocol will serve as a first stage action on a number of issues initially the Village Green .
IMPORTANT DATE........Here is a date for your diary 17th Judly 2006 Public Enquiry at City Hall Bradfortd come along and lend your support . Vivian Chapman QC independent Barrister will pass recomkmedation on the Village Green status of this land - Your Land. Should the matter not be clear cut the Heritage Campaign will move to a second f Judicial Review on the basis our challenge
STEALING YOUR HERITAGE
? SITTING ON THE FENCE
STEALING YOUR HERITAGE
? SITTING ON THE FENCEMARCH 2006
Here is the update 17th March 2006 on the Village Green also known affectionately as the the " the Ransom Strip " Incidentally no thanks to Mr Sutcliffe for his LACK of support something we are mindful of come the local and general election . Below is the Green which Assett Management have now decided to annex off by a large fence . Local people have been told by the council due to motor cyclists using it , we think not , the Green has been used extensively for 50 years without obstruction and is the subject of a Formal Village Green Application to be determined in due course by an Independent Report and if necessary by Judicial Review based on a continued number of ommissions made by the council. The Village Green, your right , is being sequestered because it will restrict any nearby developement and monies made by assett management on Public Land , which YOU under due process have nominated as a Village Green to allow local children a connection by means of a nature trail to the nearby woodland . Points of note are access to the existing ROW Rights of Way and the Public Bus Stop which no wheel chair can now access or indeed member of the Public
VEHICLE OPERATING CENTRE (VOC)
March 2006 . We are pleased to report that the VOC has been refused planning permission. We have requested the planning authority to inform us of the position in regard to the applied Certificate of Lawfulness which we believe also has been dismissed on the basis of evidence provided by the community and residents alike. To date despite a request to do so the planning authority have not informed us of the outcome
VOTE NO FOR JUDY WOODS ?
It comes as no suprise the link between the Council , Royds and the Friends of Judy Woods , since the latter is effectively run by a handful of Royds employees and council officers .Royds are the principle benifiociary of the land sale . It comes as no suprise that monies raised by the so called Friends of Group have been spent in meeting the Council responsibitilities and duties . Picture becoming clearer ??????.It also comes as no suprise that main group Heritage Campaign representing the Community was refused a web link on the Councils - Parks and Leisure Web Site . We will be pursuing Mr Tinker ( Parks and Amenities ) for some answers as I hopew will the JHI at some point.
On Monday 31 rst October 2005 the Friends of Judy Woods go head to head with Sheffield City farm on GMYV and Calander. The Heritage campaign asks you to vote for Sheffield City Farm ? WHY ? The FOJW are composed of 46 or so individuals many connected with Royds and the Council . To date they have had already acquired £40 K ( Roots of Woods from LHI Funding ) They are now seeking a further £5O k . The Herirtage Campaign draw your attention to what has been achieved for young people and children on the local estates , precious little. What has been achieved is the systematic drainage of a woodland ( Low Wood ) which is an absolute mess see for yourself . It is the view of Heritage campaign that opening up footpaths is the delivery of Bradford Councils UDP scheme so that developments around the woodland can be justified by open Space . Another benefactor is of course the Royds who will stand to gain from land sale to the front of the Wood> Unlike the FOJW the Heritage Campaign holds 2000 of your signatures asking for it to be managed and protected a s a LNR Local Nature Reserve .
UPDATE
We are pleased to announce , we believe , thanks to your work on a recent ballot, that The Friends of Judy Woods where unsucessful. We now hope to go forward on the basis of more apropriate Woodland management and await dialogues with Parks and Amenities who have been very slow to accept and acknowledge the work of this campaign
The Heritage Campaign feel it more appropriate that the Village Green be utilised as a protected Nature Trail into the Woods from the base of the Primary school so that the Children can travel to school safely and also reach the entrance at North Brow Woods. We are achieving all this and more WITHOUT funding
March 2006 We have contacted Mr Tinker who refuses to link the Heritage Group on the Parks and Amenities Web Site or indeed make any community consultation with this democatric community group regarding this Public Woodland he might be minded to consult the law and the LHI direction on this > It would appear that the Friends of Judy Woods , under the direction of Royds one of the principle benefactors of land sales , have colluded to exclude community and public input on this woodland. Watch this space
News .. Judicial Review ... Judicial
Review ...... Judicial Review
More to Follow. Bradford MDC to be challenged in the Courts
News ...News ...News ...News
... News
August 2005 Gerry Sutcliffe Reneges on his Village Green Promise . We have left a slot for Gerry to explain for himself why before election he told us he would endorse and support by letter the Woodside Village Green . A major U - Turn seems to have occurred telling us now he can not . The full story to be posted soon .. but don't worry if you where one of the Save Our Heritage Campaigners that voted for Gerry well be putting him under the spotlight quite soon
News ...News ...News ...News
... News
Gagging of Campaigners. The Council have been minded to give an internal Instruction restricting access and assistance to what would be in any other circumstances straight forward issues . Behaviour such as failing answer questions , hanging up on calls and pretending not to understand . Since we seek the answer to these questions through legitimate and due process WE WILL NOT be harassed or intimidated by action of this Local Authority in an attempt to cover its failings which we have be clear about from the onset of these matters. We believe the Service Denial to be challengeable in the courts particularly in the light of association with the Cities Assert Management Programme and its failings . If you have any information which YOU would like to leak as A WHISTLEBLOWER then we will treat it with absolute confidentiality HELP your CITY by exposing those who have not served it. It is good to tell the Truth .......................
Read More about the descrpitive
Ecology Of Judy Woods Click here for an Informed View
Ecological Appraisal Click This link
How Will It Effect The Woodland ?
Aside from all planning issues Judy Woods is a fragile ecosystem that contributes to the areas Biodiversity. The Woodland footprint is important particularly at the margins where the tree Canopy allows plants and other wildlife to thrive. It is hard to believe that most of the plants in the Wild Flower page where found in Judy Woods and around. Trees and plants in turn give rise to Insects and in turn to Birds in the food chain. Deer and Bats are also dependent on the reservoir for water . The future of the Dam itself is also under threat and therefore that of the Water fowl such as Grebe, Swan , Greylag geese & Kingfisher ( Have been seen ) all these birds like people need open space in which to exist. The woodland also links to Calderdale creating wildlife corridors . A development of this size it is inevitable that the Woodland will suffer by eroding the peripheral margins , light and traffic pollution will also affect the Woodland and the behaviour of the animals that use it. Judy woods attracts a very considerable number of visitors in its own right and does the Parks and Amenities Service considerable justice however the rules are being bent by the council for the council in favour of the development to the exclusion of nature and wildlife Countryside Services have a very realistic case to address and we call upon them to do so. We have raised a large petition which reflects the wishes of local people , walking groups and school children who value there future . All these people who know the area wish to have Judy Woods brought forward to the status of Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Judy Woods and its surrounding area also have embedded in its soil history and heritage which tells a fascinating story of the History Of Bradford
Myths
Here are some of the arguments used to ignore the woodland
Judy woods is a Beech Wood Nothing grows in there
Look at the Biodiversity reports currently being produced . No such detailed appraisal have been made in the past 20 years . the woodland has complicated geography with not only large footprint but considerable margins with existing and future potential
Most of the Trees are Dead
Many of the trees have reached maturity . However many have not . No information on tree number type age exists and no measured approach to hedgerow management or biodiversity action strategy exists .Many of the Trees have actually been sensibly used by wildlife habitat for creatures such as nesting birds , toads and other small mammals. If anything this strengthens the case for a more dedicated woodland management.
There is Nothing of value
Reference has been made to the report - on the woodland that relates to its standing as a SSS! ( Site of Special Scientific Interest) Whilst this report highlights that it may not have exceptionally rare or threatened species and therefore not important enough to be scheduled it does in no way preclude its status as an LNR. It seems the only obstacle regarding that is whether or not a council officer is actually willing to write a management strategy for it !!!!
Here are some of the Myths associated with Development
The site has existing outline planning permission and is Designated in The UDP for Housing
The Outline Permission on this site expired on 7th February PPG3 states clearly that application s must take into consideration all material considerations , windfall sites or other available allocations as a fresh application. Councillors are in no way obliged to conform to what the the Council have not validated the designation of this site in the light of other viable options that could be used if available nor have they completed a detailed EIA Environmental Impact Survey on Infrastructure and other broad needs
The Council may be at Risk from Legal Challenge by Developers
Risk is a difficult and relative concept The Council may be in a worse financial position if the victims of Leukaemia make a challenge in the courts regarding the increasing evidence demonstrating mortality in terms of proximity to these cables . It would not be unreasonable for the council to include as objection material consideration on the balance of harm . It would not be unreasonable either to ask the developers to enter into a legal contract to accept the consequence after all the Power Company has placed the Risk Away from habitation , and the developers seek to develop there , unfortunately it may be the council who take the risk by permitting it . Click below for update
ELECTRIC FIELDS AND LEUKAEMIA UPDATE
What We Are Asking
The bigger picture .We have requested the Government Office to call in the City Of Bradford R UDP in order to be given time to present evidence as to the loss of Green Belt and Green field Sites and to counter any prejudice shown in the objection process .We are requesting specifically that a Public Enquiry ( see our statement below) be granted by the Secretary of State and be placed on the UDP and call on all honourable members to support us in these efforts so that we may get it right for the sake of our Children Heritage and Environment
We also call for Judy woods to be given the status of LNR so it may be protected and correctly managed for future generations and for the well being of Wildlife and Plants.
Planning Issues Fair Play or Foul Play ??? You Decide !!
Area Panel Date 14th July 2005
The date has been set for hearing this application which expired on the 7th February 2005. The application will have to go to the GOYH - Government Office because of its size.The original recommendation was for 4.25 Ha with the remaining site as Playing Fields by Inducement These fields have now been removed and the housing allocation footprint 7.5 Ha with a change in number from 150-175 to 250 houses .
EMF ( Electric Fields ) - Recent Publicity on the EMF Power lines NGT ( National Grid Transco ) Power lines that run across the development area make it more concerning that the council would even consider granting position on to live under a risk which is becoming more and more defined June 2005. NGT have placed restrictions on the developer on building or levelling close to the base of its infrastructure. If these structures can cause a 6 ft fluorescent to ignite what else would it do if you lived underneath them ???????? Here is a Map of the overall development . Big ain't it !! But the a certain local group FOJW who would not vote on the issue seem to think it wont affect the Woodland ? Back to School !!! It may take a little time to download
Objections On File Read Some of the 18 Objections existing on this development
Executive Meeting 14th June 2005 - What we Didnt Get To Say
3 groups where given opportunity to speak at the meeting , despite Modifications on the Site BH21 Royds Hall Fenwick Drive we where NOT given opportunity to speak Re Modification in respect of portion of Green belt included and the loss of the BWA 26 which we believe will occur when it is reviewed
The Inducement Explained
The 106 Inducement on the site was provisions of two playing fields these have been taken off and the developer asked to pay £140 K to be spent on sites elsewhere . This raises a number of issues. The proposed sites include Harold Park hardly feasible to have children make their way across busy roads on their own to such a location far away ? The loss of school green field playing fields .We express concern currently the children are playing on hard standing and if such fields are taken away then this raises a number of issues which include Public Access to children Re Safety etc . Do you think the Chair of Governors is acting in the interest of your children, read on for more !!! We intend to raise these matters with Education Bradford . It is clear that it is not an Inducement to give to the community something they already have . we perceive the council to be using such money not to provide facilities but to deprive the community of the legal requirement on inducement so they can meet their own fiscal responsibilities . Sorry Asset Management but the game is up !!!
Community Forum February 2005
Despite inviting a number of candidates to this forum the Council did not field a candidate MR xxx Mr xx . and Mr xx all invited
Has the Certification on this Application been raised in accordance with the Town and Country planning Act ?????
The Ransom strip which is part of the total site application at that time was owned by S BCHT the developers agent did not raise notification of 21 days to this body this is a statutory requirement . The developers agent was told by the council they owned all of the land in question this was NOT the case see Title Deed Registration available if required . Sine February we have 12 e-mails that informed the developer , The Chief Executive sOffice and the Planner and Development Planner we therefore move that the application is void or it should be referred to next area panel until the legal criteria are met. we seek to understand the basis of these actions
Did You Know ?
The Chair of the Board of Governors Mr Les Webb , precluded earlier this year a presentation to all 11 governors of Woodside Primary School " As to how the developement would be harmful to education and well being of the Primary school child " The school had an opportunity to raise its concerns through the Notification To Neighbours Letter under the planning system. . As such other Governors where not given opportunity to make an assessment of their own accord. Mr Webb has also a major vested interest , he is the principle Royds Architect otherwise known as Acanthus WSM ( Webb Seeger Moorehouse ) .
Why We Have Uploaded Planning Information
We have uploaded information here for a number
of reasons . Lack of access to the planning file ( alledgely because it
had gone for document scanning - because it is now so big !! ). Failure
to supply information in a timely and coordinated fashion and large numbers
of anomalies now occurring . Bizarre and unrealistic charging for documents
which should be freely available or at sensible cost ( £25 for a
14 page document ?????)
We believe it in the public interest to have this information available
What Can You Do ?
A Great Deal !!!! Sign the petition . Judy Woods is not just a local asset but a place for every one to enjoy. A copy of the Petition sheet can be downloaded by clicking on the link. Thank you for support
Petition Opposing Development and requesting land to be put into Green belt with the Collective Woods to be Nominated as a Local nature Reserve. We can arrange to pick it up . Email us for further details
E-mail :
Press Article
Judy Woods Save Our Ancient Woodland Telegraph & Argus April 2005. Adobe PDF. thank you to the T&A for versing the view of the people !
