Severus Hill, next to Holgate’s water tower, is to be retained for York’s “water resilience and sustainability”, the company said, following the site previously being listed for sale.
Yorkshire Water also revealed that a new below-ground reservoir could be built under the hill to ensure the long-term supply of drinking water to York. These plans would not be submitted until the next cycle of planning from 2030, it said.
Locals have described the hill, which has been reclaimed by nature and is home to a wealth of wild plant and animal species, as a “hidden environmental gem”.
They formed the Friends of Severus Hill group which raised almost £100,000 to buy the hill and keep it for nature, rather than risk it being bought and redeveloped.
Jo Patton, from the Friends, said all donors were contacted and offered a refund when Yorkshire Water told them it would be keeping the site earlier this summer.
“If people have asked for their money back, they have had it back,” he told The Press, adding: “If you donated and you want your money back, please get in touch with the Friends of Severus Hill [friendsofseverushill@outlook.com].”
Recommended reading:
- From emperors to unexploded bombs: a potted history of Severus Hill
- ‘He was our Attenborough’: tributes to York nature campaigner
- Setback for community bid to buy Severus Hill in York
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A bid to reopen a village pub near York which has been shut since last year has been given the go ahead by councillors.
