Controversial birds of prey centre could get go-ahead (From York Press)

Controversial birds of prey centre near Helmsley could get go-ahead

9:05am Tuesday 17th January 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A European eagle owl

PLANS to build a controversial new sanctuary for birds of prey in North Yorkshire could be given the go-ahead this week.

The scheme, to build a branch of the International Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park, near Helmsley, would see a wide range of birds including snowy owls, peregrine falcons, merlin, golden eagles and goshawks, brought on to the land, as a northern sister site to the main centre in Gloucestershire Operators expect to attract between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors per year, and the plans were welcomed by Helmsley Town Council, which said it would add to the local economy.

However, some local residents have expressed concerns that the increase in visitors could damage oak trees at the site, some of which are about 400 years old.

Chris France, director of planning at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said the impact of the plans on the Grade I-listed site had led to delays as the application was considered, but the centre would be a positive scheme providing consideration for the environment was shown.

Mr France said: “It is a site of special scientific interest and contains the most important veteran trees in the north.

“We think that this is a really good project and one that will bring in visitors and help secure the upkeep of the estate.

“It is a brilliant project, but needs careful working through because of all of these sensitivities.”

It is also hoped the centre will help tackle the illegal poisoning of birds of prey in the region.

Jemima Parry-Jones, director of the Gloucestershire centre, said: “If we show these birds close up to people then it raises awareness and hopefully might help stop North Yorkshire having this dreadful record of illegal killing of birds of prey.”

The new centre will include an education centre, staff headquarters and aviaries, offer flying demonstrations, and will work closely with local schools, and could be in operation by this summer if accepted by the planning committee on Thursday.