Bird centre closure risk without move, say owners

The owners of a visitor attraction have said it may close if they are unable to move to a new site this summer.

York Bird of Prey Centre has submitted a planning application to North Yorkshire Council to build a new facility at Woodbine Farm in Easingwold.

It would be the attraction's third different location in its 14-year history.

The family-run business currently operates from the walled garden at the Burn Hall Hotel in Huby, but cannot afford a rent increase, according to planning documents submitted to the local authority.

The planned new site includes timber aviaries, a reception building, cafe, conservation room and toilet block, alongside car parking and access.

The current lease in Huby was due to expire in June, the applicants said, with the risk of a zoo licence not being renewed if an alternative was not found.

That would be a "significant loss to the local community", they said.

In planning papers, they added: "Whereas the impending relocation represents a short-term threat to the centre and during its busiest time of the year, it also offers a long-term opportunity to secure the longevity of the business."

A previous application for the relocation was submitted in January but was withdrawn following comments from planners about its potential visual impact, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The centre attracts up to 20,000 visitors a year and accommodates more than 100 birds from 45 different species.

Owners Andrew and Claire Fawcett run the business with five members of staff and 15 volunteers.

They said the centre had been commended for its conservation work, and had established close links with local schools, colleges and community groups.

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