Pollinators are in steep decline. Small actions by local authorities, such as leaving grassed areas to grow in Spring and Summer can help bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects. Stopping the use of harmful herbicides, which are known to harm both human health and wildlife – such as glyphosate – can also contribute to … [Read more…]
Following our unsuccessful legal challenge of Newcastle City Council’s decision on plans for Cell A/B1 of Newcastle Great Park, we have called on Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes to deliver wildlife-friendly development in Cell A. Specifically, we have called for: – at least one native tree in every back garden … [Read more…]
A study commissioned by Newcastle City Council highlights the need for 26 hectares of new parks for the people of Newcastle. As yet, there is no evidence of any new parks being planned or delivered. Parks and green spaces are essential for people and for wildlife. And never have they been more in the spotlight than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parks provide … [Read more…]
Thank you to everyone who contributed towards the cost of our legal challenge of Newcastle City Council’s decision on Cell A/B1 of Newcastle Great Park. We secured an initial total of £4,725 from generous pledges to our Crowd Justice page to go towards our solicitor’s fees – raising the first £1,000 in just 24 hours … [Read more…]
We have launched our crowd funding page to raise funds to cover the cost of a judicial review of Newcastle City Council’s decision to allow Newcastle Great Park Consortium’s plans for 1,200 houses adjacent to Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve. More than £1,000 was pledged n 24 hours on the CrowdJustice page, which can … [Read more…]
Our response to the joint Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council and North Tyneside Council Air Quality public consultation calls for more green infrastructure and less overdevelopment, as well as measures to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport. Our response is set out below. We support plans to create more efficient bus routes and to upgrade … [Read more…]
In July 2018, Chris Packham visited Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve, as part of his UK Bioblitz 2018: ‘Nature Reserves Are Not Enough!’. The tour took the naturalist to 50 UK wildlife sites to highlight the extent to which the nation’s wildlife is under threat. At each site, a team of ‘experts’ was on … [Read more…]
Newcastle City Council has confirmed it will contest our grounds claim for judicial review of its decision to allow development in Cell A/B1 of Newcastle Great Park. The plans, which are contrary to local and national planning policy on Green Belt and open space, and undermine a longstanding legal agreement between Newcastle Great Park Consortium … [Read more…]
Newcastle City Council has confirmed it is unable to provide a response to our summary of grounds for judicial review by 30th January 2019 ‘due to the nature and extent of the issues raised’. The council intends to provide a substantive response by 6th February. In the event that the council sees fit to plough … [Read more…]
We have given up waiting for the decision notice for Newcastle Great Park Consortium’s application for Cell A/B1 of Newcastle Great Park, which was minded for approval over a month ago. This morning, Wednesday 16th January 2019, we submitted our pre-action protocol letter to Newcastle City Council. The 22-page document sets out our grounds for … [Read more…]