Open Space

Published: 25 September 2024

It is with regret that North Ferriby Parish Council is withdrawing from the action to seek a Judicial Review on the decision of East Riding of Yorkshire Council to grant permission for a series of soil bunds, 1.4m high, on Public Open Space. North Ferriby Parish Council is of the opinion that there is insufficient certainty that, even if the JR finds in its favour, ERYC and Wykeland will make positive attempts to seek a position of compromise. Both parties have been aware of the wishes of residents, the Parish Council, Ward Councillors and the local MP Sir David Davis, since April 2022, and have made no effort to prevent the construction of engineered bunds on the Public Open Space through the planning process. The Public Open Space is owned by ERYC, and therefore, as owner and landlord, ERYC has been in a position of control over what works can take place thereon. The Parish Council is exceedingly disappointed and considers it unacceptable that ERYC has chosen to ignore the wishes of the local community and its tax payers’.

Furthermore, the Parish Council is also deeply disappointed that a clear message from Humberside Police that bunds on the Public Open Space will reduce lines of sight for users and could become a target for anti-social behaviour, was subsequently reversed with no explanation. As a consequence, safe accessibility for users of the open space for leisure purposes will be reduced which appears to be at odds with the duty on both the Police and ERYC in respect of community safety under the Crime & Disorder Act 1998 and also contradictory to ERYC’s own planning policies. 

North Ferriby Parish Council has done its best to secure an acceptable solution for its residents but does not feel that it can justify spending further tax payers money when there is such persistent determination from ERYC, Wykeland and Humberside Police to frustrate its efforts.