Waterfall beauty spot could become community-owned

A waterfall could become community-owned after a campaign group helped to prevent its sale on the open market.

Goit Stock Wood, which includes a 20ft "hidden valley", near Bingley has now been designated as an Asset of Community Value by Bradford Council.

The listing means that local supporters have been given a six-month window to raise the funds to buy the site themselves.

Friends of Goit Stock Wood campaigner Amy Wood said: "It's a really special place, not just for locals but for people who travel from all over to visit. We want to make sure it's safeguarded for future generations."

She added: "It's about making sure the woods are maintained rather than just left to ruin. There's a lot of opportunity here. I think it would be really great for us to take it over."

The woodland plot for sale is currently part of the privately owned Harden and Bingley Park, which also includes a static caravan holiday business.

The BBC understands the owners and their representatives initially had reservations about the listing but would now be "delighted" to sell to the community if a suitable business case was put forward.

Andrew Black from estate agents Savills, who is handling the sale, said: "They are aware that individuals are working hard to raise the funds and wish them luck."

He added the designation "confirms the significance and value of the property to the region and gives time for seeking support, raising funds and hopefully submitting an acceptable offer".

The original guide price for the 69-acre site was £350,000 but has since been reduced to £195,000.

The sale brochure describes the woodland as a "well-known local landmark" in "largely unspoilt, attractive rolling countryside".

The ancient valley, carved out during the last Ice Age, is home to several waterfalls.

The brochure listing says the spot was once a "thriving" site with six mills along the beck, and one former mill was even used as a café and ballroom before it burned down in 1927.

Mrs Wood said the area remained a "peaceful" haven, rich in opportunities for learning, and home to a variety of plants, bird life, deer, and even rumours of otters.

Community ownership would allow locals to manage the site sustainably, tackle invasive species and protect the area's biodiversity, she added.

Harden Village Council submitted the nomination to list the site as an Asset of Community Value on behalf of locals last year.

Bradford Council has now confirmed the listing was successful and in its report, it acknowledged previous concerns about the fairness of delaying a potential sale for six months, especially since the land has been on the market since August 2023.

However, it said such concerns from the owners and their agents were "not relevant" to the decision to list the site.

The Friends of Goit Stock Wood have also applied to become a charity and are now working on a long-term fundraising strategy. They are calling for volunteers with experience in fundraising or conservation to get involved.

"This is an opportunity to take responsibility for a piece of land that means so much to people," said Mrs Wood.

"If we can secure it, we'll be able to preserve it in perpetuity for everyone to enjoy."

Although the land benefits from some protections against overdevelopment and has public rights of access, campaigners said private ownership still poses a risk of neglect.

Anyone wanting to get involved in the campaign is asked to email [email protected].

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