NEWS | Forest Green owner Dale Vince pledges financial support for campaign against a new farming development alongside a tributary of the River Wye
League One Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince has pledged his support to campaigners who want to prevent agricultural development from progressing alongside the River Dore in Herefordshire.
Dale Vince has generously agreed to match every pound donated to this crowdfunder, up to £40,000, to support the Good Law Project’s environmental work.
The Good Law Project, which created the fundraiser, said:
“The River Wye, which flows across the border between England and Wales, is one of our most beautiful and precious waterways. But it is dying due to the effects of agricultural pollution. Runoff and slurry from intensive farming in Powys and Herefordshire flow into the river, affecting the habitats of a number of internationally important species.
“The latest serious threat comes from a new agricultural development on the banks of the River Dore, a tributary whose waters flow into the River Wye. Good Law Project is now supporting a legal offer to prevent this.
“The plans, which have been given the go-ahead by Herefordshire Council, will see the expansion of Bage Court Farm in the village of Dorstone, including the construction of a huge new cattle barn.
“The increase in manure runoff caused by this development will result in even more ecological damage being done to the Dore and therefore the River Wye.
“Disappointing and frustrating, the activists’ hard-fought legal efforts – led by local resident David Sahota – have so far been unsuccessful. The High Court and Court of Appeal have both approved Herefordshire Council’s approval for the development of Bage Court Farm.
“The Good Law Project is supporting activists in challenging and hopefully overturning these decisions in the Supreme Court.
“We are committed to protecting Dore and Wye – which is designated a Special Area of Conservation – but we also think the case raises a very important policy issue.
“EU environmental law contains a precautionary principle on how you deal with risks. It says that where environmental damage is uncertain, you don’t have to wait until that damage is apparent before taking action. It’s an important principle of EU law – after all, if we destroy this one we won’t have another planet – but it’s not clear whether it’s part of UK law post-Brexit.
“In order to proceed to a full appeal, the Supreme Court must first be satisfied that the issues raised in this case are of “general public importance.” That’s a high bar – the Supreme Court takes on few cases each year – but we’re told this case meets it.
“The success would have national implications as the bar was raised before new livestock developments are approved. This will help protect our rivers and waterways for generations to come.
“The cost of applying for a permit from the Supreme Court, including Crowdjustice costs and a 10 per cent contribution to the Good Law Project, will be around £20,000. If we are allowed, the cost of the appeal, including possible intervention, will be a further £30,000.
“Renowned vegan and ecologist Mr Dale Vince has generously agreed to match every pound donated to this crowdfunder, up to £40,000, to support the Good Law Project’s environmental work – so every pound you give to them counts Donate number, double. ”
More details – https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/the-river-wye-is-under-threat/?utm_campaign=GLPRiverWyeIG100123
