HOLIDAY LODGES PLAN FOR REEDBED WILDLIFE HABITAT SPARKS PROTESTS FROM BIRDERS

Leaflet highlighting the attractions of Far Ings 

A ROW has blown up over plans for 19 holiday lodges to be built at the site of one of Britain's most important nature reserves.

Entrepreneur Tom Hazeldine is keen to press ahead with the project off Far Ings Road, Barton-on-Humber. 

He reckons its will boost tourism and create jobs and other economic benefits in  a site close to the Humber Bridge.

Trouble is the location is a site of scientific interest and home to rare reedbed breeding birds such as marsh harrier, bearded tit and bittern which would certainly be disturbed by the development and increased visitors.

                                         

In June last year, it was visited by a super-rare Blyth's reed warbler which stayed for several weeks.

There have been numerous objections from naturalists with one stating: "I am totally flabbergasted at this proposal and cannot think of a more inappropriate location for such a development.

"The building works can only create unacceptable disturbance to this wildlife from which it is unlikely to recover. 

"In addition, 19 lodges once completed will mean at least 19 cars regularly using the new road with the associated noise, pollution, and disturbance to such a precious, fragile reserve.

"The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world (State of Nature Report, 2018) and a development such as this will only exacerbate this downward trend."

                                      

Green and watery - habitat at Far Ings

However, in his application form Mr Hazeldine has ticked 'No' in the boxes querying whether his project will have an impact on priority species, important habitats or other biodiversity features.

It is not yet known if the application will be supported by an ecological appraisal.

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is opposing the application.

 Says Chief Executive Paul Learoyd: “The Trust is not against sensible development in the right place but Far Ings is one of the most important sites in the country for its wildlife.

"The application has been put forward with no acknowledgement of the value of the sites and the impact that the development could have. 

"We therefore feel we have no other option than to oppose these plans."

It is possible that Natural England and the RSPB - as well as Mr Hazeldine - may also comment in due course.

The proposal will be determined in due course by planners at North Lincolnshire Council where a senior case officer, Emmanuel Hiamey, is currently collating and assessing the comments.

The proposed lay-out scheme for the lodges prepared by Hessle-based Robert Farrow (Design) Ltd