TP4095 - Idle Hill Reservoir (S1800) - in danger?

[BasilDowl]

I've put this on the FB page, but thought it worth a mention here.

After visiting this one today, and being slightly concerned about the new earthworks, I've done some digging and it appears that a new planning application was recently put in to develop the entire site; if the works I saw today (and the newly-cleared access on Westfield Lane) are anything to go by, this pillar could well be in serious trouble - so whilst access is easy, I'd suggest visiting if you have it on your to-do list.

http://trigpointing.uk/trig/4095

[ted]

Hi,

If preparatory works have started then presumably the application has been approved.

If you can identify the application number, it would be worth emailing the Planning Authority
(Bradford?) to ask what they intend to do with the trig. There are local precedents where the
historical significance of trig pillars has been recognised: Bramley Reservoir (where the
contractors moved the pillar when the original location was redeveloped), Tingley (the
developers reinstated the pillar as a centrepiece of the new houses) and Sharp Haw (nr Skipton)
where a memorial cairn was sited to avoid the trig ( http://trigpointing.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=152 )


Regards
Ted

[BasilDowl]

I'm going to pen an email to the planners, the housebuilder and anyone else I can find on the planning portal and see what they say. The plans look ideal for a Tingley-style trig display!

[BasilDowl]

Letter has gone to the architect (listed as the agent), the client and the local planning authority today. Will report back when (if...) they respond.

[BasilDowl]

I think this one will be ok.

There have been a couple of dozen objections to the planning application, mainly on traffic/access grounds, but a few have mentioned the trig. It doesn't look likely to be granted, imo.

Interestingly someone on hillbagging.com has recently logged a visit to the site, and stated they went inside the structure. I'll definitely be having a revisit and a go at that soon...!

[ted]

Hi,

There have been a couple of dozen objections to the planning application, mainly on traffic/access grounds, but a few have mentioned the trig. It doesn't look likely to be granted, imo

Thanks for checking with the planners and for letting us know the response.
Sounds hopeful

Ted

[BasilDowl]

Just had a letter through from Bradford planning, the application has been withdrawn. Trig safe for now

[clochandighter]

Worth watching the Planning Applications over the next few months. A developer's trick in Edinburgh is to submit a ridiculous 'Plan A' for intentional rejection, only to follow with a slightly toned down 'Plan B' which usually gets the nod. This practice is probably a well known trick in these circles.

I believe trig pillar S3598 (Polmont) was lost in circumstances like that back in c1991. It was on what was a public park! I had a work colleague from Polmont who fought that develepment.

The trouble is, brown envelopes are powerful and dangerous weapons in the wrong hands!


Best wishes,

G

[BasilDowl]

You weren't wrong sir - they put a reduced plan in shortly after. I opposed that also, and it's gone to a decision.

Sneaky...

[BasilDowl]

As feared, the planning application has finally been approved. I posted this on the FB site:


Update on TP4095 - Idle Hill Resr (S1800)

http://trigpointing.uk/trig/4095

I today received an email from Bradford Planning Dept. that unfortunately planning permission has been granted on the Idle Hill reservoir site.

Thankfully, the planning dept have listened to my objections regarding the future of the pillar, and have created a planning condition that the pillar is preserved somewhere on site:

"The development will affect an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar located on the top of this site.

Response -The triangulation pillar has no statutory protection, however the applicant's agent has indicated that they would prepared to relocate this to a position adjoining the proposed house. This can be subject of an appropriately worded planning condition..."

"Prior to the first occupation of the dwelling hereby permitted, the Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar within the site shall be relocated to a position that has previously been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In order to safegaurd a local feature of interest in accordance with policy DS1and DS3 of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document..."

So bad news, but good news really. Sad that it will lose its magnificent outlook, but good that in theory it will be saved. I will draft an email to the applicant's solicitor advising that they locate it somewhere easy to access and to expect people wanting to visit it, dead or alive.