Smeaton News

Confusion over Darringfields and Willow Green Eco Towns

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:06:00 +0000

As you may have heard on the news today, the announcement of the shortlist of proposed eco-town sites has finally been made...or has it?

As usual this has been done via the press, and not directly to the Councils involved and the press are issuing conflicting stories this evening.

What we do know

There is a shortlist of 15 sites, one of which is simply described as 'Leeds City Region'

So the positive is that the Government does appear to be awaiting the results of a study which Leeds City Region Leaders have agreed to fund.

This is a truly independent study which has been agreed as a result of pressure exerted by Selby and North Yorkshire Councils, and which seeks an alternative site for an eco town to serve the Leeds City region.
This is currently underway with the results expected in June.

In the Selby area we are naturally looking for the result to reflect housing need closer to the major cities, and for brownfield sites to be utilised.

What we don't know

The negative is that we still await the list of those bids which have actually been rejected (only 3 of which have been released at the present time, being in the Midlands and south of England)
so we do not at this time have an outright rejection of either the Darringfield or Willow Green sites,
and I am unable to tell you 'what happens next' as we have yet to be informed.

Interestingly, the government appears to be saying that any new towns proposed will have to go through the normal planning process, and that local people and other interested bodies will have the right to challenge the plans.

The Minister, Caroline Flint also is quoted as saying that: "Bidders will have to meet the highest standards for sustainability, affordability and creativity. The expert panel which will be set up will challenge developers to the limits."

During the day I have trying to get definitive information concerning both Willow Green and Darringfields ( have they been rejected or not? ) but as yet we cannot get firm information : there are stories in the Leeds Evening Post which suggests they have been rejected but then then again they have changed that story twice already today

Police to target Smeaton Bikers

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:29:00 +0000

Report of the Southern JAG, Meeting on 11th February

Eco Town proposals – an update as at 21st February 2008

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Many people will now know about the two proposals to build an ‘eco town’ in our area – both on our doorstep and both predominantly on Greenfield land.
Plans have been submitted to Communities Minister Hazel Blears in response to the Governments declared intention of building 3 million new homes in England by 2020; and specifically to build 10 “Eco Towns”.

‘Willow Green’ proposals are for an ‘eco-town’ of 15,000 houses on land between Eggborough, Kellington & Kellingley; and also include mention of 9 -12 primary schools, shops and health & recreational facilities. 'Darringfields' straddles the border between Selby District and Wakefield Met: being approximately 60% - 40% respectively and basically covers the area between Darrington, Womersley & Cridling Stubbs, and north to the M62. This is a proposal to build 15-20,000 houses – there are no other details.

You have told us…
In a survey of households which we have conducted in adjacent villages

93% of respondents have objected to the building of a new town.
Only 2% of responders thought that the Eco-Town would bring jobs, the overwhelming majority (78%) thought it would not bring jobs
72% doubted the eco towns capacity to resolve housing problems

What we are doing…

District & Parish councillors have met with one of the developers to discuss the issues, but the other (Darringfields) developer has so far declined invitations to meet with us.
We have appeared on television and in the press – thank you to everyone who joined in the filming for the politics show, which really helped to bring out the issues.
Selby District Councillors have objected to both sites and asked the Government to reconsider.
Wakefield cabinet members have rejected the Darringfield proposal - part of which lies on their side of the border
I have written to the Minister and a number of other MP’s, putting all the points which people have raised and urging her to reconsider.

I am saying…Selby District does not need a further 15,000 houses for its own residents; and why should it provide all the extra houses needed by Leeds City region? I support the plan to build zero-carbon houses for the future, but commuting along the M62 to work in Leeds makes this new town an eco-dorm, rather than a sustainable development. Please sign our on-line petition against these sites.
Thank you. Go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Eco-No
Cllr Gillian Ivey

Darrington Eco Town Delayed?

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:24:00 +0000

I understand that there may be a delay to the Eco-Towns Short List announcement which was due about now. This is to allow time for an independent study of alternatives. See the Osgoldcross Conservatives website for more details.

Smeatons hit by earthquake!

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:25:00 +0000

Second largest in UK history

Working Party Wanted

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:55:00 +0000

I'm sure you have noticed how the land around Hodge Lane bridge is getting a little scruffy. Well I have received permission from the Parish Council to clean it up a little. Nothing spectacular just dig it over sow some grass seed and plant a few shrubs. I am hoping to set up a working party for one day in late March early April…if anyone can spare some time to help please ring Roger Ivey 01977 620110.

Smeatons in the Frost

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:46:00 +0000

Photographs of Smeaton wanted

Selby District Council says No to Eco-towns

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:10:00 +0000

Selby District Council met on Tuesday 12th February and voted on the eco-town proposals.

Graffiti on the Church wall has been reported to Police

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:57:00 +0000

There has been another outbreak of Graffiti on the wall of St. Peters Church, Kirk Smeaton.
PC 5 (who is our Community Constable) has been informed and no doubt we will hear more.

Hodge Lane Bridge is Safe

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:52:00 +0000

I have been assured by the Highways dept of NYCC that the Hodge Lane bridge is safe and that patches will be made to the damaged tarmac very shortly. This is pending a full repair to the path and the railing surrounding the bridge which is scheduled to be carried out by the end of March.

Conservative Position on Eco-Towns

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:59:00 +0000

Grant Shapps MP, Conservative Shadow Housing Minister outlines the Conservative Party Position on Eco-Towns.

Councillor Opens Eco-No Petition

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Selby Councillor Gillian Ivey has started a petition on the No 10 web site. The petition is

'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to abandon plans to build Eco Towns on Greenfield sites.'

To sign the petition go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Eco-No

Residents say Eco-No

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Selby Councillor Gillian Ivey conducted a postal survey on residents opinions towards the proposed Darrington Eco Town named Darringfield. The results show that 93% of residents are ‘against’ the proposals, with 4% admitting to not knowing and only 2% in favour.

"All our consultations, public meetings, parish council meetings and a very full post bag suggested that the result would be overwhelmingly against" says Councillor Gillian Ivey "but we were staggered to find the result to be quite so resounding".

For more details on the survey results go to the Osgoldcross Conservatives website.

Little Smeaton Parish Council Date Change

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:00:00 +0000

Meeting to discuss Darrington (Darringfield) Eco Town Project

Selby District Community Transport

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 23:05:00 +0000

Selby District Community Transport are in need of volunteer drivers.

Eco-Town to feature in Politics Show

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:32:00 +0000

This Sundays broadcast to feature live debate on Darrington (Darringfield) and Eggborough (Willow Green) Eco Town proposals.

John Grogan MP on Eco-towns

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:51:00 +0000

John Grogan urges local councillors to propose site for eco-town.

Darrington Eco-Town Survey

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:28:00 +0000

Smeaton councillor Gillian Ivey is to carry ourt a door to door survey to canvas peoples opinion on the proposed eco town at Darrington known as Darringfield.

"Its important that I am able to accurately report residents views on the proposal and the survey gives everyone a chance to participate" says Councillor Ivey.

Hodge Lane Bridge Damaged in Floods

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:47:00 +0000

Highways Agency to inspect Smeaton bridge.

20,000 home Eco Town near Darrington

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:03:00 +0000

Osgoldcross Councillor Gillian Ivey is writing to Government Ministers expressing her concerns about proposals to build a 15,000 to 20,000 home Eco Town adjacent to Darrington and the A1/M62 interchange.