We are overjoyed with the Secretary of State’s decision to refuse the planning application at Moor Lane, thereby protecting Askham Bog nature reserve for the future.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government followed the planning inspector’s recommendation to refuse the appeal submitted by the developers, Barwood Land. The appeal was against the City of York Council’s unanimous decision to turn down the planning application, which was made in July last year.

We’d like to thank City of York Council for all of their time and effort representing Askham Bog at the public inquiry in November. And we can’t thank our members and supporters enough for their continued and unwavering support of Askham Bog. Our fundraiser raised an incredible £39,000, allowing us to make the strongest possible case at the public inquiry. And last January, over 7,000 people stood with us in objecting to the proposals because of irreversible damage to the wonderful Askham Bog Site of Special Scientific Interest – a truly exceptional place for wildlife.

We are thrilled that Askham Bog can now continue to thrive as a special place for wildlife and the people of York for years to come. Our vision is to protect and restore our natural world, help wildlife to thrive and ensure a greener future for us all.  In the midst of the current climate emergency, and recognising the joy that nature is providing at the current time, the decision to protect Askham Bog is a welcome step in the right direction.