Dear residents,

A little like buses, you wait for a Spofforth Park newsletter and then two come along close together.

I wanted to share a few updates and also highlight two positive ways residents can help make Spofforth Park and Wetherby even better places to live.

Many residents will have seen the recent letter encouraging support for Wetherby in Bloom. It is a very worthwhile organisation and does excellent work across the town. If you are considering making a donation, please also consider supporting our own Spofforth Park Volunteer Gardening Club.

Thanks to Annette, Lorraine, Barry, Diana and the other volunteers, the common areas across the estate are looking better and better. Their work helps make the estate feel cared for, welcoming and attractive for everyone. Leeds Federated Housing has already made a generous contribution, which is very much appreciated, but further donations are still needed to help keep this work going.

Even a modest contribution would help with planting, tools, maintenance and the small improvements that make a real difference to how the estate looks and feels. Please contact Laura Street (laura@purebm.co.uk) at Pure Block Management for details of how to donate. Spofforth Park is part of Wetherby, and we want to be in bloom too.

There are also several planning issues affecting Wetherby. The proposed 210 homes next to Spofforth Park has still not been decided and is not listed for the North Yorkshire Council planning committee on 19 May. There is still time to object.

Gladman is also promoting around 530 homes on land between the A168, B1224 and A1. Our concern is that the land is in North Yorkshire, so council tax would go there, while much of the pressure on roads, services and infrastructure would fall on Wetherby. Together, these two schemes could add around 740 homes affecting the town, despite Leeds City Council having already concluded that Wetherby has met its housing requirement to 2040.

There is also early interest from Hallam Land in the possible development of Tockwith Airfield, on land west of Tockwith village between York and Wetherby. This is not yet a planning application, but the site is being promoted as a possible future development and could include housing, a primary school, convenience store, health centre, community hub and sports facilities. It is also close to the proposed large development at Cattal. While this is further from Spofforth Park, it is another reminder of the wider development pressure around Wetherby and the importance of proper infrastructure, joined up planning and clear consideration of the impact on nearby communities.

 SPMC will work with Better Wetherby, Wetherby Civic Society and elected members to oppose inappropriate development. SPMC is not opposed to new homes. Good development can support communities, provide much needed housing and bring investment. However, we believe development around Wetherby should be SMART: Sustainable, Managed, Accountable, Respectful and Timely. That means building in the right place, with proper infrastructure, clear accountability, respect for existing communities, and through the proper Local Plan process rather than speculative applications. New housing should strengthen communities, not simply place more pressure on them.

Finally, congratulations to Norma Harrington on her re-election as a Wetherby councillor and thank you to everyone who stood for public office, regardless of party or affiliation.

Local democracy depends on people being willing to stand, listen, be challenged and make difficult decisions for their community. That is not always easy, and it can now come with abuse, hostility and even personal risk. So again, thank Norma and the other candidates.

Civic Day is on 14 June. As part of the national “Fix OneThing” campaign, Wetherby Civic Society will be cleaning the town’s blue plaques. This is a simple, practical and positive way to help Wetherby look cared for and to protect the small pieces of history that tell the story of the town.

Volunteers are very welcome. You do not need any special knowledge, just a little time and a willingness to help. It could be an hour on your own, with a friend, or as a family. A Civic Society member will explain the history behind the plaques as you go, so it is also a lovely way to learn more about Wetherby.

Please contact Wetherby Civic Society if you would like to help. A small amount of time from a few more people really can make a visible difference.

Kind Regards

Malcolm Gardner, Director
Spofforth Park Management Company
Riverside House, 11-12 Nelson Street, Hull, HU1 1XE