THE planning application for 39 houses on agricultural land off Burnside Crescent, Skipton, was passed on Monday by the casting vote of the chairman of planning.
One member, who spoke against the application, abstained in the end – what a waste of time.
Once again the electorate are ignored. Fifty-seven letters of objection, a 97-name signed petition and town council and ward representative comments were ignored and the casting vote from the chairman adhered to the government policy in building as many houses as possible. Build homes that we need but build in the right places, not on dangerous access roads or flood plains.
The highways didn’t deem Burnside Crescent/Carleton Road – which will be a major entrance into Skipton after Wyvern Park for 225 homes and business park and these 39 houses – to be a problem. What a joke.
The fact that this application is on a flood plain (and floods) and is beyond the limits of the proposed new Local Plan bore no weight.
No consideration to the infrastructure of Skipton seemed to be important.
I left the meeting feeling let down by some of the councillors, who are supposed to represent the best interests of the district.
Still, we can have our say when it’s time for elections.
JOAN IBBOTSON
Burnside Crescent, Skipton

I WAS lucky enough to see democracy in action when I attended a planning meeting regarding the proposed construction of 39 houses on the land to the south of Burnside Avenue in Skipton.
The discussions were intense and well-researched, and the lady who spoke against it was extremely passionate speaking against the planned development.
What I did find bizarre was that despite having concerns about the development on the basis of flood risk and the increase in traffic, two of the councillors chose to abstain from voting.
I wonder if the people who voted for these councillors are aware that their elected representatives chose not to make a decision, either for or against such a controversial issue, when it is extremely relevant to residents.
Unfortunately, the final vote was three for and three against the plans. The chairman had the casting vote and the objectors lost.
P TURPIN
Burnside Avenue, Skipton

AS OUR biggest annual fundraiser – the Great Daffodil Appeal – draws to a close, we would like to thank everyone in the Craven area who has helped to make Marie Curie’s street and supermarket collections a huge success this year. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteer collectors and local people who donated generously.
So far, the Settle street collection – which was supported by the Settle Rotary Club – has raised more than £500, while the Skipton street collection has brought in almost £1,000, with help from the Skipton Rotary Club.
The Great Daffodil Appeal raises funds so that Marie Curie nurses can provide free nursing care to people with a terminal illness in the comfort of their own homes or at the Bradford Hospice. It’s incredible what a difference it can make for patients to spend their final days, weeks or hours with the people and things they love close by, and this is what makes the collections so important.
Marie Curie nurses bring light in the darkest of hours. They work through the night giving care and support but this is only possible with the help of people like you. With the funds raised by this year’s appeal, Marie Curie nurses will be able to provide terminally ill patients and their families with more of the hands-on care and emotional support that the charity is known for.
Both the Settle and Skipton Fundraising Groups are looking to recruit new members to help manage collections and support the team to increase awareness of the charity and raise more funds. If you would like to join the group, then please contact Sharon Link by emailing sharon.link@mariecurie.org.uk or calling 01274 337036.
THERESA POWELL and KATH METCALF
Chairmen of the Skipton and Settle Fundraising Group respectively

HAVING read your article – Bus route shake-up due to council cuts (Craven Herald, April 7) – I have just looked at the new timetable and am aghast that the early morning bus from Grassington is no longer running.
I’ve had no need to use this bus, however, my son who is in Year 11 at Upper Wharfedale School is having to make decisions upon where to go for his further education. He wants to do A-levels, in particular physics.
His choices are Ermysted’s and South Craven, but now that there is no longer a bus early in the morning, how an earth will he be able to go to South Craven school, which is where he thinks he’d like to go?
He cannot be the only one who would need this bus. How will other youngsters, or anyone who cannot drive, get to work or university in either Leeds or Bradford from up the Dale?
That bus was a lifeline to them to be able to catch trains and buses to get to school, college or work in time. If it’s gone, their choices are also very much narrower.
DEBBIE GELDART
Cracoe

I NOTICE in last week’s Craven Herald that there is an article which blames the council for the changes to bus times and costs – Bus route shake-up due to council cuts.
It does not put the blame where it belongs – in Whitehall.
JEFF BILBROUGH
Hebden