If you object to the proposals, it is essential that you submit an objection to North Yorkshire Council. If only a few people object, the Councillors who will decide whether or not to approve the application will think nobody is bothered about the development, which will make them more inclined to approve it. If we can show them by shear weight of numbers of objections that there is massive public opposition to the development, they are much more likely to refuse it. This is where individuals can make a vital contribution to the campaign. Please see the “How to help” section of the website for detailed advice on how to word and submit an objection. 

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.
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.

An Asset of Community Value (ACV) is a building or piece of land that has been nominated by a local community group and listed by a local authority because its current or recent use furthers the social well-being or interests of the local community, and is likely to continue doing so. The ACV scheme, part of the Localism Act 2011, grants communities a “right to bid” if the asset is put up for sale, allowing them a six-month window to raise funds and prepare a bid to purchase the property. One example of a potential ACV is a park or open space.

With the support of Scorton Parish council, Scorton Lakes, including the area of land proposed within the development scheme, was nominated to North Yorkshire Council as an ACV. The local authority approved the application in November 2025 and so the asset remains listed for the next 5 years. Once granted this means that if any part of the ACV is put up for sale that a local community group can formally notify the council of their intention to bid. This triggers a six-month moratorium on the sale, allowing the community group time to raise funds and develop a plan to buy the asset. The community group can then make a bid to buy the asset on the open market but listing as an ACV does not prevent the owner from selling the property to anyone they choose. Crucially, an ACV listing can be a material planning consideration in any future planning applications.

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 consultation takes place for at least 21 days. 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. This takes the form of a written report which will explain all of the matters the officer has considered in coming to a recommendation. It will include information about the objections which have been received. The report will be sent to all members of the Planning Committee.

6. Decision: The Planning Committee will meet to consider the application. It will hear a presentation by the planning officer who will outline the application, the relevant policy considerations, their assessment of the application against those policies, the comments of consultees and the public, and their recommendations. The meeting will be open to the public. The developer will have an opportunity to address the committee, as will the objectors (and SSL intends to speak). The councillors will then debate the report and recommendation, and may ask questions of the planning officer and other officers who will be present. The councillors will then vote on the  recommendation, resulting in a decision to approve or reject the application.

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

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 a range of professional expert consultants on subjects such as planning, tourism and ecology etc 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 clicking the Donate button in the page footer – 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 already recognised and 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 (Friends of Scorton Lakes) 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.