In February 2022, DWD on behalf of SSE Thermal secured planning permission for the rewilding of a former ash disposal site at Brotherton Ings. The large former ash lagoons at Brotherton Ings used to be operated as a location for the deposition of bottom ash from Ferrybridge ‘C’ Power Station going as far back as the mid-1950s.
Known as the ‘Brotherton Ings Site Restoration Project’, it is one of the largest re-wilding schemes of its kind within North Yorkshire, spanning approximately 27 hectares. The re-wilding scheme will both restore what is a large redundant waste management site which includes steep sided water bodies, and once completed will provide enhancements for native habitats. Earthworks are proposed to take place which will remediate the former ash lagoons, before the integration and maintenance of a range of biodiversity and habitat enhancement measures across the Site.
Rob Booth and Geoff Bullock managed the planning application from submission through to decision, negotiating flexibility on the phasing and long term management of the site, through the imposition of appropriate planning conditions. The forthcoming site restoration will be supported by a 30-year management plan which will ensure that significant new habitats are delivered by a rewilding approach, making best use of the various restoration materials available on Site. DWD worked with North Yorkshire County Council officers to secure the long term management of the site via planning conditions instead of any form of legal agreement or Section 106.
As of July 2022, DWD have completed work on discharging the pre-commencement conditions with NYCC, allowing the earthworks and re-wilding activities to commence at the Site.