A LOCAL botanist has led a walk around the East of Otley site where 700 houses are proposed to be built.
Around 14 people joined the walk to learn about the site's flora from botanist and ecologist Steve Heaton.
Mr Heaton, said: “I get to survey wonderful SSSIs (sites of special scientific interest) in places like the Scottish Highlands and the Dales. But unprotected sites like the East of Otley, with ancient grassland and woodland, and land that has been only lightly used, are the places I worry about most. They are rare and beautiful in themselves, but they are also rich habitats for the insects, on which all life on earth depends, and they are being wiped out all over the English countryside.”
Campaigners are urging people to go to www.eastofotley.co.uk for detailed guidance on how to respond to the planning application. Responses should be made by July 16 at leeds.gov.uk. The reference is 21/01671/OT. There is also a petition: https://www.change.org/p/leeds-city-council-stop-persimmon-concreting-over-the-east-of-otley.
Donate to East of Otley Action Group legal fundraiser: https://gofund.me/7ec59583.
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