New pronouncement from the marbled halls of UU Rivington that may affect local races.
As you may be aware United Utilities have been reviewing their permissions for use system following recent changes in land management. This primarily relates to investment in the area through SCaMP II to protect and manage the area for water quality, tenant farmers, wildlife and recreation and also Natural England’s involvement now that many farms have joined the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. Part of this scheme means that activities that could potentially cause damage to the land, especially at sensitive times of year such as ground nesting bird season (Mar – Sept) cannot be permitted. The Company is now limiting the number of moorland events per organization to two per year, these need to be between October and February. As such some events have already been affected and needed to alter routes etc.; if your event is on a Public Right of Way it should not be so restricted at present.
In our attempt to ensure the number of events do not have a detrimental effect on the infrastructure and wildlife we have altered the conditions that are attached to the application and asked for four month’s notice so there is ample time to negotiate any alterations that may or may not be needed. Applications not received within this time frame will not be permitted.