SIR David Attenborough has spoken out against plans to build more than 500 homes on land next to a York nature reserve.

The TV broadcaster and naturalist has joined more than 4,700 people in objecting to the planning application for housing in Moor Lane, adjacent to Askham Bog.

He first raised concerns in 2016 about the possibility of new houses being built when he paid a visit to the bog, which he described as “irreplaceable”.

But now he has spoken again in the wake of plans being submitted to City of York Council by developer Barwood.

He said: “I am so disappointed that this proposal for development had been made.

“York is exceptionally fortunate to have such a wonderful place within its boundaries. Why would anyone want to put that at risk?”

About 4,600 objections to the scheme have now been made via the website of the Yorskhire Wildlife Trust, which runs the Bog and is vigorously opposed to the development.

The trust had already collected 150 objections separately, taking the total number to about 4,750.

It says the reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is loved and valued by the local community as a special place to see wildlife and enjoy nature close to the city.

It claims the development would disturb the water table in the reserve, which could be “seriously damaging to the incredible wildlife”, and says the housing could completely isolate already-threatened wildlife populations, and claims domestic animals and vandalism could both also pose a threat.

However, Jamie Gibbins, managing director of Barwood Land, has insisted the development will actually assist in the long-term protection and enhancement of the reserve.

He said recently that the application was supported by a comprehensive environmental impact assessment which drew on a series of technical studies, which all demonstrated that the site was “entirely appropriate” for housing development.

This included detailed technical work in relation to the Bog and measures to ensure its permanent protection formed an integral part of the application proposals.

He said Barwood Land had spent more than six years undertaking a significant amount of technical work to understand and develop the proposed scheme.

He added: “It is because of this that we are confident that the proposals will have no adverse impact on the Bog and will demonstrate that they assist in the long-term protection and enhancement of the Bog for future generations, including through the creation of an impenetrable barrier to prevent continued trespassing.”