Outrage Over "Devastation" of Wildlife Habitat on Anlaby Common

Residents and local politicians have expressed deep worry and disappointment after heavy machinery began tearing up vital bird-nesting habitats and shrubbery on Anlaby Common this week.

​Liberal Democrat Councillor Margot Sutton and local councillor candidate Jayne Langdale have roundly condemned the latest destruction of the hedgerow, which they fear has caused significant and irreversible damage to local wildlife.
​"Outrage Over "Devastation" 
​The unexpected work has sparked anxiety among the local community, who value the area as an important green space.

​"I was shocked to see the devastation and the damage to the habitat," "Worried local residents contacted me after diggers started tearing up bushes used by a whole array of wildlife, including nesting birds. We dread to think what damage may have been caused." Councillor Margot Sutton 
​Compounding the community's confusion is the fact that no development proposals are currently on the table for the land.

​"There have been no planning applications submitted for development to the East Riding Council regarding Anlaby Common," "I cannot understand the need or logic behind the clearance of this land."Cllr Sutton
​Landowners Defend Works Amid Timeline Concerns
​The land, which is privately owned by Central Land Holdings, is reportedly undergoing scheduled maintenance. According to a spokesperson for the company, contractors Land Plan have been engaged to complete the thinning of the hedgerows.

​Central Land Holdings stated they are following all relevant procedures, liaising with the appropriate agencies, and have an ecologist on-site daily to monitor the situation. In addition to the vegetation clearance, the teams are reportedly clearing up fly-tipped items, including mattresses and pallets.

​The current phase of work is due to finish next week, with hedge work scheduled to take place on the south side of Anlaby Common near St Thomas More School. Further dyke maintenance is also planned for later this year.
​However, the timing and severity of the work has drawn sharp criticism from local representatives, who argue that clearing dense shrubbery during peak nesting season is unacceptable.

​"We are disappointed that Central Land Holdings has again decided to carry out this work during a period when wildlife could be adversely affected.” “This is not trimming of a hedgerow, in parts they have completely removed it”. said Cllr Sutton, who has requested an urgent update from the company regarding their actions and the measures being taken to minimize harm to local biodiversity.

​Fears Over Future Development
​For many living near the Common, the sudden clearance of land has reignited long-standing anxieties about over-development and the steady loss of green space.

​Councillor candidate Jayne Langdale, highlighted the community's growing cynicism regarding the protection of local environment:
"Local residents fear that because the common land was sold to private developers, and housing estates are steadily encroaching on surrounding land, it is only a matter of time before the council prioritises development over the environment once again and the remaining Common is built on, losing yet more of our valuable local natural habitat."

​
​The East Riding Liberal Democrats have assured the community that they are actively seeking further information from both the council and the landowners. Councillor Sutton and Jayne Langdale have pledged to continue pressing for answers on behalf of residents to ensure the natural environment of Anlaby Common is protected.

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