Harrogate Borough Council is seeking public opinion on a proposal to remove a number of trees within the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to improve views of the Castle Keep.
A public consultation on the Knaresborough Castle Conservation Management Plan was completed in April 2007. The consultation revealed that a number of respondents believed that certain trees within the grounds obstructed views of the castle, which is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and managed under a lease agreement by Harrogate Borough Council.
The castle grounds contain a number of mature trees, including 30 Lime trees. Since the consultation, the trees have put on additional growth, further obscuring views of the Castle Keep. Knaresborough Town Council recently approached Harrogate Borough Council and requested that the ‘tree management’ aspect of the plan should be progressed further.
As part of the tree management programme, Harrogate Borough Council is seeking public opinion on the proposal to remove four trees, where it is felt that cutting back the dense canopies is not a feasible option. The council will also be consulting English Heritage and its own planning section regarding the proposal.
Members of the public who would like further details on the proposal to remove a number of trees, or who are interested in voicing their opinion on the plans, should complete the questionnaire which can be found at www.harrogate.gov.uk/parks, email customerservices@harrogate.gov.uk, or write to Paul Casey, Harrogate Borough Council, Department of Community Services, 2nd Floor, Springfield House, Kings Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5NX.
Closing date for comments on the proposal is 5:00pm on Friday 28th February, 2014.
