Tree preservation order for Rumplecroft housing site (From Wharfedale Observer)
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Tree preservation order for Rumplecroft housing site
9:06am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Local news
Councillors Sandy Lay, Ryk Downes and Colin Campbell at the Otley housing site
Councillors have welcomed news a Tree Preservation Order has been placed on a controversial housing development in Otley.
Ward councillors Ryk Downes, Colin Campbell and Sandy Lay had asked Leeds City Council to impose the order on the site at Rumplecroft, where Taylor Wimpey is planning to build about 90 new homes.
Residents in the area and the three ward councillors have already voiced strong concern about the development.
Coun Lay said: “The site at Rumplecroft is currently green fields, and local residents have been very concerned, both at the proposed loss of valuable green space and the effect on wildlife of the removal of trees on the site.”
Coun Campbell said: “Some work to clear the woodland has already taken place, but this disturbed the bird and animal life in the area, and was one of the reasons we asked the council to look at a tree preservation order.”
Coun Downes added: “The preservation order may not stop the development taking place, but it does recognise the importance of the tree cover in the area, and means the developer cannot just clear the area for housing.”
