Harrogate Borough Council is seeking public opinion on a proposal to cut back or thin the canopies of a number of trees within the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to help 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 approached Harrogate Borough Council in 2013 and requested that the ‘tree management’ aspect of the plan should be progressed further.
Harrogate Borough Council subsequently carried out a public consultation exercise in February 2014 to remove a number of trees from within the grounds. The public consultation revealed that those who took part were in favour of retaining the trees.
As part of the tree management programme, Harrogate Borough Council is now seeking public opinion on a second proposal to reduce or thin the canopies of a number of trees. The council will also be consulting with English Heritage and its own Planning (Conservation), Ecology, Landscape and Heritage teams 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, Parks & Environmental Services, 2nd Floor, Springfield House, Kings Rd, Harrogate HG1 5NX.
The consultation is open for 8 weeks and the closing date for comments is 4:00pm on Friday 8 August 2014.
