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12
May 2024
Felling Bishop Monkton topiary cockerel did not breach planning, council says
The felling of a giant topiary cockerel in a village between Harrogate and Ripon did not breach planning rules, North Yorkshire Council has said.
The 30ft hedge, which had been a feature of the village for generations, was felled in Bishop Monkton last month.
The 100-year-old hedge stood proudly in front of Cockerel Cottage and garnered local and national attention during its lifetime.
Its disappearance led to furore among villagers.
In a letter from the council, seen by the Stray Ferret, residents were last week told an investigation was launched into the felling following complaints of a potential breach of planning control.
But planning enforcement officer, Christopher Keddle, who wrote the letter, concluded “no breaches have taken place”.
Mr Keddle said after reviewing all the evidence, he found the cockerel was a hedge, rather than a tree, which “does not require consent from the council” to cut down.
He adds:
Mr Keddle also said one complainant had commented on the listed status of the property, adding:
Mr Keddle said as there is “no breach” the case will be closed.
Bishop Monkton Today reported one villager who had complained was "unhappy" about the council's findings, but added they had "no plans" to appeal.
The Stray Ferret reported on the felling at the time, as villagers were left horrified by the move.
Gary Cross, landlord of the Masons Arms in the village, said he knows the owners, who were not named, and understood the cockerel blocked light and became difficult to maintain.
He added:
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