‘Cullingworth dumping bid puts falcons in danger' (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Plan to re-open Buck park quarry would 'put falcons in danger'

8:00am Wednesday 11th January 2012 in Cullingworth By Hannah Baker

Plans to reopen a controversial quarry and use it as a dumping ground for millions of tonnes of waste could jeopardise breeding peregrine falcons at the site, a planning inquiry has heard.

Two existing nesting sites for peregrines and ravens on the southern face of Buck Park Quarry in Whalley Lane, Denholme would be removed if owner P Casey wins an appeal against Bradford Council’s decision to refuse an application for the plans.

The enquiry, which opened yesterday at the Mechanics Institute in Denholme, heard, after considering their nesting and feeding habits, the company had proposed a new habitat for the birds in the northern part of the site, which it claimed would likely be a success.

But barrister John Hunter, representing Bradford Council, told the hearing, expert advice on the subject was “firmly of the view” that the scheme to move the birds would be unsuccessful.

For the full story, see Wednesday's T&A