Hellifield Flashes Granted Special Conservation Status
Victory as Hellifield Flashes has officially been designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
The decision follows an ecological review by North Yorkshire Council’s ecology team, which concluded that the 100-acre area holds sufficient ecological value to warrant the SINC designation due to its important populations of waterbirds, rare breeding birds, species of conservation concern such as lapwings, and breeding amphibians.
CPRE North & East Yorkshire has worked shoulder-to-shoulder for over 15 years alongside local campaign group Save Our Craven Countryside, formed in 2010 to protect the landscape from development.
“It has been a long hard slog over many years and I guess will continue to be so. It is an area of great importance to our village, to wildlife, to biodiversity and also enhances the Yorkshire Dales National Park on our doorstep… No doubt developers won’t be happy and will keep chipping away. But very good news for our village.”
Chris Sharpe, Save Our Craven Countryside, speaking to the Craven Herald.
What the SINC Designation Means for Planning
This designation means North Yorkshire Council cannot determine the current outline planning application for 73 holiday lodges in its current form. If the developer, Ballan Ltd, wishes to proceed, they will be required to submit a full planning application with detailed environmental assessments to demonstrate how they will protect the designated site.
A spokesperson for Ballan Ltd told the Craven Herald: “Ballan has no issues with the proposed designation. Work to the flash carried out towards the implementation of the hotel permission has enhanced the attractiveness of the flash as evidenced by increased bird usage.”
Protecting Our Countryside On The Edge
Hellifield Flashes is a prime example of valuable green space on the edge of our communities that provide vital room for nature, flood absorption, and local wellbeing, yet face persistent planning threats.
Through our national On the Edge campaign, CPRE is calling for better protection, planning, and recognition for edgeland green spaces right across the country, ensuring communities and nature can thrive together.
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