Mary's Blog

Wildlife threatened by policy AWK2 and AWK3 in Beverley, Lowfield Road former army camp

In the early days of World War II there was a national scare and huts were erected on the west side of Lowfield Road, known locally as ‘camp’.

The huts have long since gone, the trees and undergrowth have gradually taken over, creating a habitat for wildlife such as deer, fox, squirrels, owls and woodpeckers (particularly the green woodpecker with its long sticky tongue).

This haven known to the council as AWK2 and AWK3 (see legend) is now under the threat of housing developers looking to build 193 and 109 dwellings respectively. If you include the homes planned for fields just opposite in sectors AWK4 and AWK5, that makes a total of at least 500 new cars to cope with in the village centre. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this is good news for shopkeepers. The problem is, without adequate parking, shoppers will be driven to other nearby commercial zones. There appears to be no plans for more public parking. The Lowfield Road/Beverley Road junction already causes traffic problems.

The local development plan makes reference to retaining protected trees, but many will be cut so what of the creatures sustained by existing undergrowth and woodland? The hospital and sheltered housing development, despite similar reassurances, spared mainly those trees bordering the road.

Housing Development Policy AWK2 & AWK3

And a project of this nature isn’t going to reduce the risk of floods – that’s less open land to absorb abnormal bouts of precipitation.

Can you imagine a housing estate on this woodland site adding to traffic congestion?

If not, then you can object by email: forward.planning@eastriding.gov.uk

Or by post to:

Forward Planning,
Room FS32,
E.R.Y.C.
HU17 9BA

Telephone: 393780

Or sign the petition by clicking here.

Read more here, scroll to “Major Haltemprice Settlements” and here.