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Victory for Cromwell over housing scheme
A development of executive homes close to Skipton Castle was thrown out by planners this week.
Skirfare Properties Ltd wants to build five high-quality homes on the site of a former plant nursery at Park Hill, Chapel Hill.
Craven District Council's planning committee heard Skirfare also proposed two new access roads.
Christine Roberts, agent for Skirfare, said the site had previously been developed and the high-quality housing would enhance the conservation area.
But members heard objectors - including Skipton Town Council and Skipton Castle - say the development would ruin the look and character of an historic part of town.
It was also pointed out that the houses would be visible from the site where Oliver Cromwell rested his army.
Sebastian Fattorini, of Skipton Castle, said the houses would be clearly seen from the castle.
He said the land represented a "green gorge" where the town met the countryside and it was still possible to imagine invading hordes approaching the castle.
Coun Paul Whitaker said there was a lot of history tied up in the area. "These houses would be visible from the old Battery where Cromwell put his army. There is a lot of history in that area and if this was to go ahead, there should be a major dig," he said.
Coun David Heather said: "This would have a major impact on the conservation area. I think it would be a disaster if this development was allowed to go ahead."
The committee refused permission on several grounds, including an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and it would require the lopping of protected trees to the south of the site.
10:24am Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Shadow, In the fields on 10:26pm Fri 9 May 08
Why is Mr Fattorini upset by the idea of being able to see other folks homes from his castle? Why not just get a castle elsewhere?
As for the argument from Coun Whitaker that [italic]"There is a lot of history in that area"[/italic], all areas have a lot of history... that's life.
Why is Mr Fattorini upset by the idea of being able to see other folks homes from his castle? Why not just get a castle elsewhere?
As for the argument from Coun Whitaker that
"There is a lot of history in that area", all areas have a lot of history... that's life.
Posted by: paul, Skipton on 9:22am Sat 10 May 08
I can't say that I care about building posh homes or not. What I don't like is hypocrites like Mr Fattorini. I am willing to bet he likes people to flood into Skipton castle with their hard earned money to be fleeced by their tacky gift shops and the like. But hey dont build their homes in my back yard.
I can't say that I care about building posh homes or not. What I don't like is hypocrites like Mr Fattorini. I am willing to bet he likes people to flood into Skipton castle with their hard earned money to be fleeced by their tacky gift shops and the like. But hey dont build their homes in my back yard.
Posted by: Martin, Cononley on 9:16pm Sat 10 May 08
If you think the gift shop is a rip-off, then don't even think about the tea rooms. That's a right wallet-bending experience.
Yes, money certainly talks in Skipton. To hell with the people, he's got LOADSAMONEYYY!!!
If you think the gift shop is a rip-off, then don't even think about the tea rooms. That's a right wallet-bending experience.
Yes, money certainly talks in Skipton. To hell with the people, he's got LOADSAMONEYYY!!!
Posted by: Shadow, In the fields (again) on 10:55pm Sat 10 May 08
I'm puzzled by Coun Heathers comments as well. When he says [italic]"it would be a disaster if this development was allowed to go ahead"[/italic] , is that like a tsunami type disaster, or a 'Mr Fattorini might not like us any more' disaster?
Shadow...
I'm puzzled by Coun Heathers comments as well. When he says
"it would be a disaster if this development was allowed to go ahead" , is that like a tsunami type disaster, or a 'Mr Fattorini might not like us any more' disaster?
Shadow...
Posted by: Martin, Cononley on 11:06pm Sat 10 May 08
Probably the latter, unless Coun Heather says otherwise.
Coun Heather?? What scale of disaster are we talking about here??
Probably the latter, unless Coun Heather says otherwise.
Coun Heather?? What scale of disaster are we talking about here??
Posted by: AJR, Germany on 1:08pm Sun 11 May 08
"He said the land represented a "green gorge" where the town met the countryside and it was still possible to imagine invading hordes approaching the castle."
Two problems with this :
1. There are houses right next to the proposed site, so it's not much of a green gorge. And also I doubt that this piece of land can actually be seen from Skipton castle, especially in summer. Or has Mr Fattorini installed cameras up there already?
2. Imaging invading hordes approaching the castle - ah yes, because that's happened precisely zero times in the last 200 years!
Or is he anticipating hordes of paying customers...sounds more likely.
A healthy imagination and preservation of history is more than welcome, but I fear someone has been smoking 50 pound notes again....
ps. I couldn't care less whether the houses are built or not, I just find the excuses completely ridiculous and unfounded.
"He said the land represented a "green gorge" where the town met the countryside and it was still possible to imagine invading hordes approaching the castle."
Two problems with this :
1. There are houses right next to the proposed site, so it's not much of a green gorge. And also I doubt that this piece of land can actually be seen from Skipton castle, especially in summer. Or has Mr Fattorini installed cameras up there already?
2. Imaging invading hordes approaching the castle - ah yes, because that's happened precisely zero times in the last 200 years!
Or is he anticipating hordes of paying customers...sounds more likely.
A healthy imagination and preservation of history is more than welcome, but I fear someone has been smoking 50 pound notes again....
ps. I couldn't care less whether the houses are built or not, I just find the excuses completely ridiculous and unfounded.
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