The most effective method is to object in writing to North Yorkshire Planning Department before the deadline, clearly stating your name, address, and the planning application number. Focus your objection on issues that are relevant to planning, known as material considerations. Examples of materials considerations are:

Impacts on land protected from development eg Green Belt of as in our situation with a relevant Section106 agreement in place.
Road safety and extra traffic impacts
Noise, disturbance and hazard
Impact on conservation
Impact on local infrastructure
The need for accessible spaces for community wellbeing

Clearly outline your reasons for objecting, referencing specific local development plan policies where possible. 

You can submit your comments online via the North Yorks planning portal, by post, or by email before the deadline. 

One other way to help is to contact SSL, become a supporter or volunteer some of your time to support our fight and help raise the profile of our campaign to preserve the lakes – your support could make all the difference so email us at info@scortonlakes.org

SSL are a group opposed to any building development around Scorton Lakes Nature Reserve. The groups aim is the long term preservation of the site for nature, wildlife and leisure access for all.

The aims of Save Scorton Lakes are:

1. To campaign for the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment of Scorton Lakes (the Lakes).
2. Such campaigning to include actively objecting to, and encouraging other objections to, any development proposals which the group believes will threaten the environmental, ecological and amenity value of the Lakes.
3. To raise the profile of the Lakes in both the local community and more widely.
4. To support improvements to the environmental and habitat value of the Lakes
5. To secure funds to further any of the Aims of the group.

A Section 106 (S106) agreement is a legally binding agreement between a local planning authority and a developer, required to make a development acceptable in planning terms. Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, this agreement secures “planning obligations” or “developer contributions” that mitigate the development’s impact, such as providing affordable housing, financial contributions for infrastructure, or other local improvements. These obligations are attached to the land and are enforceable by the local planning authority. The primary purpose is to offset the negative impacts a development might have on the local area, community, and infrastructure. The S106 agreement allows for conditions to be met that make a potentially unacceptable development acceptable to the planning authority. 

In the case of Scorton Lakes, at the time the licence for quarrying was approved a S106 was established which required the quarry sites to be remediated and returned to a natural condition and then to be maintained for a further 25 years.

In the case of Scorton Lakes, a 106b agreement was attached by the Council as a condition of granting permission to extend quarrying works. A fundamental component of the agreement provides for the site to be managed for nature conservation and public access. As such it should be a reasonable expectation that this agreement is honoured (in that it limited future development and subsequent impacts on the local community and nature) as it was the basis for that planning permission being granted.

The use of section 106 agreements are a common component of the granting of many planning applications as the basis for giving future reassurance to local communities about the limits approved building developments in their locality. When they cease to be honoured then the trust between the local authorities and the local community is broken.

The aim is that there is very high community usage by people of all ages creating a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. Walking / nature enthusiasts / bird watchers etc. It remains a peaceful space providing wellness opportunities. Key aspects of the sites are utilised by local educational facilities – there is good integration of schools activities and community groups (eg cubs / guides etc). There is a Friends of Scorton (and Ellerton) Lakes group (affectionally known as  “Fossils” who working under the guidance of a facilities type management organisation and provide groundskeeping activities and manage the North Car Park refreshments facility (maybe only open on a weekend?). They are a social group. Guided walks and talks are available. Local RSPB and Naturalist group activities are evident. The local running club uses the facilities.  “Lakes targeted” Mental and Physical wellbeing programs are promoted by local health practices (volunteer mental and physical first aiders support these programs, links with MIND / Veterans welfare groups etc)

The planning process at North Yorkshire Council begins with a submitted application, followed by a public consultation period where comments are gathered. A planning officer then assesses the application against the North Yorkshire Local Plan, which sets out planning policies and strategies for the county. A recommendation is made, and a decision is issued to the applicant, with the plan and other factors being taken into account. A breakdown of the typical planning process for an application:

1. Pre-application advice (Optional): The developers submitted this in 2022 which led to the council clarifying the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.

2. Application Submission: A planning application with all the required plans, supporting documents, and fees. 

3. Consultation: The council publicises the application to local residents, who are given a time period to submit comments – THIS IS THE TIME WHEN OBJECTIONS SHOULD BE REGISTERED. You should not expect your objection to be acknowledged.

The consultation takes place at least 21 days after registration. Details of the application are publicised so local people can comment on the proposed development. Consultees are given a minimum of 21 days to comment on an application (although comments may be accepted after this period if a decision has not yet been made). Consultations will also take place where necessary with the statutory agencies, utility companies and other council departments.

4. Assessment by a Planning Officer: The officer reviews the application, considering local and national policies, national guidance, and any comments received during the consultation period. 

5. Recommendation: The planning officer makes a recommendation on whether to approve or refuse the application. 

6. Decision: A decision is made. For some applications, this may be under delegated powers by the Head of Planning. For more significant applications, the decision is made by the Planning Committee. 

7. Decision Notice: A formal decision notice is sent to the applicant. 

Once submitted details of the application will be able to be seen on the North Yorkshire planning portal.
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/planning-and-conservation/view-and-comment-planning-applications/view-and-comment-planning-applications-your-area:

You can imagine that the developers and their backers have very deep pockets so any financial support for our campaign is gratefully received. The money will be used for generating publicity materials eg leaflets, posters, banners, website hosting charges etc. In addition, it is necessary for us to engage with professional planning consultants to advise on the best way to object to the development and ultimately it may be necessary for us to engage in legal advice. Any monies which are not used will either be returned to people or donated to a suitable and local wildlife organisation.

You can donate to support the actions of SSL by visiting the website www.scortonlakes.org and click the Donate link (this will take you to our GoFundMe page – thank you!

There will of course be more work to do on this but there is a requirement (stated in the section 106 planning agreement when Tancred were awarded the quarrying rights) for the site to be maintained by Tarmac for 25 years beyond completion of quarrying – this agreement runs until 2047. This provides SSL some time to seek additional and ongoing support from various regional and national grant and fund awarding bodies. Our aim is to foster strategic partnerships and a volunteer community with the aim of providing ongoing maintenance of the area as a nature reserve with public access for all.

Stopping this development is only the first step – it is vital that the original, post-quarrying intent for this area is realised; that nature can develop, that there is long-term protection from building development, that the lakes can continue to be an asset that provides a mature and flourishing natural environment but also supports wellbeing and social engagement of the community. It’s a place for nature to thrive alongside managed public access, and a place that people will seek out for relaxation and enjoyment in a peaceful and nature-rich space. The future of the Lakes could have many exciting possibilities, only limited by your imagination – here are a few of our ideas:

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Progressively over the next 20+ years we will see the development of housing and light industry connecting Scorton to Bolton on Swale, out to Catterick and beyond. Green fields, important wildlife habitats and spaces for nature will disappear. Population density will increase as the number of people within the catchment area rises significantly. Although some will argue that we are close to protected areas such as the North Yorks Moors and Dales, these are still wild spaces which for many people (not just the elderly and less physically able) are too wild and intimidating and can be difficult to access and use. Play parks will be built within new housing estates but while they provide some recreational activity for children, they are generally small, naturally sterile and offer little for adults. The availability of accessible natural environmental space is increasingly limited and the ability for people to easily escape is challenging. The presence of an established nature reserve and lakes network becomes increasingly both highly desirable and valuable. It is a space and place for nature which provides a natural buffer between nature and residential and industrial development.

This is exactly the type of facility called for in the North Yorkshire and York Nature Recovery Strategy, and it exists already in Scorton!

WHAT COULD BE CREATED?

An already wonderfully established area could become even more wildlife rich with protected species, have controlled walkways and access areas, with multiple use opportunities for communities. Accessible and interconnected walking routes will offer recreation and wellbeing advantages. Car Parks are already available and minor changes to local transport (bus stops) could further improve accessibility. The Scorton Lakes North Car Park could have a sympathetically designed building providing toilet facilities, a small refreshments outlet and indoor activity spaces as well as information points. Some enhanced access pathways could be developed as well as some shorter circular walks (targeted at less mobile persons). A sensory area could be built. A dog friendly zone could be created.

Imagine how Scorton Lakes could enhance the broader area containing the existing Bolton on Swale Lakes Nature Reserve and Ellerton Lakes.

WHO IS IT FOR? 

The aim is that there is very high community usage by people of all ages creating a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. The Lakes remains a peaceful space providing wellness opportunities. Walkers, nature enthusiasts, bird watchers etc. all find something of interest. Aspects of the sites are utilised by local educational facilities – there is good integration of schools activities and community groups (eg cubs / guides / pre-school groups etc). There is a Friends of Scorton (and Ellerton) Lakes group (affectionally known as  “Fossils”) who working under the guidance of a facilities type management organisation, provide groundskeeping activities and manage the North Car Park refreshments facility (maybe only open on a weekend?). It is a social group. Guided walks and talks are available. Local RSPB and naturalist group activities are evident. The local running club uses the facilities.  “Lakes targeted” mental and physical wellbeing programs are promoted by local health practices (volunteer mental and physical first aiders support these programs, links with MIND / veterans welfare groups etc). Work experience opportunities are available for volunteers. People are proud of the site and user feedback will be encouraged. The site is registered as an Asset of Community Value. 

HOW WILL NATURE BE IMPACTED?

The Lakes area is nothing without the abundance of natural life that we already see and so the recovery and protection of key wildlife species and flora and fauna generally through targeted conservation efforts is crucial. To promote this, biodiversity targets are established and monitoring takes place – species habitation continues to be encouraged by design and purposeful development eg use of protected areas and habitats. The site will acquire registered status of some type, for example becoming a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The site could achieve recognition awards for community support and engagement activities. Empowered ownership, by a volunteer community, of the natural environment and conservation effort will help to build a respect for the intrinsic value of nature, landscape and wildlife habitats – a local community nature reserve.

HOW WILL THIS BE FUNDED?

There will of course be ongoing work to do on this but there is a requirement (stated in the section 106 planning agreement when Tancred were awarded the quarrying rights) for the site to be maintained by Tarmac for 25 years beyond completion of quarrying – this agreement runs until 2047. This provides SSL some time to seek additional and ongoing support from various regional and national grant and fund awarding bodies. Our aim is to foster strategic partnerships and a volunteer community with the aim of providing ongoing maintenance of the area as a nature reserve with public access for all. We hope to access funding with support from bodies such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to support biodiversity development. We will seek National Lottery monies (eg for building the North Car Park building). The Fossils will have fund-raising programs within the broader community. Local businesses will be asked if they will provide sponsorship for things such as  shelters, benches and information boards. Postcards and calendars can be created and sold. People / groups can sponsor tree growth or adopt an area to improve. There are many opportunities for us to pursue.