Plans to build 127 new houses on the edge of Leyburn are set to be approved.
Officers at Richmondshire District Council will recommend the scheme at Hill Top Farm is approved when councillors meet next Tuesday.
A mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties would be built, with 22 bungalows proposed.
Of the 127 homes, 28 would be available as discounted first homes to buy and ten would be classed as affordable homes to rent.
Access to the development has been moved 10 metres further west along Moor Road than was originally planned so it was not opposite
North Yorkshire County Council’s Highway Department.
Public open spaces would be created as part of the development.
A public access would also be created to Thornborough Hall Gardens to link the housing with Leyburn Town Centre.
The application has the support of Leyburn Town Council, which says more housing is needed in the town.
However, the council has received more than 50 objections.
Issues raised include concerns the development could cause flooding in the town, worries about insufficient parking, health services and spaces at the local primary school and worries that the proposed pedestrian access through Thornborough Woods is not suitable.
Concerns were also raised that residents of the new housing would use Woodburn Drive, which is a private road with no right of way.
On condition of planning being granted the developer, Yorvik Homes, has agreed to pay £363,693 towards an extension at Leyburn Primary School.
A further £150,000 would be provided to improve bus links to the new estate.
The report to the planning committee concluded: “The overall layout, design and appearance of the development is considered to be
good quality which compliments Leyburn and will create its own sense of place and create a pleasant environment for the new residents.
“30% affordable housing is provided skewed towards discount market houses.
“This is not policy compliant, however, is considered to be acceptable provision and would be very beneficial assets for the town and residents.”
The report added: “The development will cause less than significant harm to the identified heritage assets and minor harm to the immediate setting and approach to the town. Both of these are considered to be outweighed by the provision of market and affordable housing and the new woodland footpath.
“Having regard to all of the above, it is considered on balance that the development is acceptable and approval is recommended.”
For more information on the application, click here.
I hope someday someone will think about building many many more bungalows for the older people in Wensleydale.
Seems once your old and past your best no one seems to care about the hard work which they have put in to the dale over the years.
Its OK building all these houses but there is not enough doctors, dentists and Hospitals as it is for the number of folk already here. It will only put more strain on what we do have!
What happened to democracy – we residents have been invited to a site visit this week and to put our concerns to the planning committee when it rushes through their decision immediately prior to it being disbanded: however it sounds like the decision has already been made. The developers have still refused to confirm that they will build houses locals can afford, or whether they will buy their way out of these provisional plans – they have already said they will cut back the numbers as the scheme, as shown on this plan, is unviable as a high profit enterprise.