One said they ‘cannot understand the need or logic behind the clearance of this land’
Cllr Margot Sutton has raised concern about works to Anlaby Common.(Image: Margot Sutton)
Concerns have been raised by councillors and residents about recent works to hedgerows on Anlaby Common. Cllr Margot Sutton, who represents the Tranby ward on East Riding Of Yorkshire Council, and Hessle Town councillor Jayne Langdale, say they became worried after seeing machinery cutting hedgerow on the land.
Cllr Sutton said: “I was shocked to see the devastation and the damage to the habitat. Worried local residents contacted me after diggers started tearing up bushes used by a whole array of wildlife, including nesting birds. We dread to think what damage may have been caused.”
She added: “There have been no planning applications submitted for development to the East Riding Council regarding Anlaby Common. I cannot understand the need or logic behind the clearance of this land.”
The Common is privately owned by Hull-based Central Land Holdings, who declined to comment when contacted by Hull Live.
Cllr Sutton added: “We are disappointed that Central Land Holdings has again decided to carry out this work during a period when wildlife could be adversely affected. This is not trimming of a hedgerow; in parts, they have completely removed it.”
Cllr Sutton says she has requested an urgent update from the company regarding the work and the measures being taken to minimise harm to local biodiversity.
The issue has further raised longstanding anxiety about potential development on Anlaby Common. Last year, work by contractors Land Plan was carried out to improve drainage and remove fly-tipped objects.
Town Cllr Langdale said: “Local residents fear that, because the common land was sold to private developers, and housing estates are steadily encroaching on surrounding land, it is only a matter of time before the council prioritises development over the environment once again and the remaining Common is built on, losing yet more of our valuable local natural habitat.”
Emma Hardy, MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, said: “I have been contacted by residents concerned about the work and have raised the issues around the hedgerows with East Riding Council as this falls under their responsibility. I am still waiting for a response so haven’t been able to provide them with further information.
“I met with residents, the landowner and the relevant agencies in February last year after similar work happened, so I understand the strength of feeling attached to the Common. I took the idea the of a community purchase raised at the Parish Council meeting I attended to the landowners, but it wasn’t something they were interested in.”
A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “Our streetscene enforcement team wrote to the landowner back in February to ask them to cut the vegetation back from the footway on First Lane. Following a complaint from a member of the public, officers inspected the site and saw the vegetation here was causing an issue.
“The council has a duty under the Highways Act 1980 to ensure paths and roads are clear of any obstruction or danger to the public from issues such as overgrown vegetation. Any vegetation can be cut back providing there are no nesting birds within it.”
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.