Residents’ concerns over plans for 114 new homes in Skipton (From Craven Herald)

Residents’ concerns over plans for 114 new homes in Skipton

8:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in News

Outline plans for more than 100 new homes in Skipton are likely to be lodged early next year.

On Monday, developers for the proposed estate on grazing land off North Parade met with residents to discuss the plans.

It also emerged this week that Amenbury Property has come to an agreement with Skipton Town Council over a piece of land to use as access to the site, currently used for grazing sheep.

If approved, the first phase of the scheme will include around 114 homes of all sizes and will include 40 per cent affordable houses, as required by Craven District Council. There would also be a small convenience store and access roads.

Residents at Monday’s meeting at the Greatwood Community Centre raised concerns with Amenbury and Keyhaven Homes about the loss of their views in addition to increased pressure on schools and essential services.

They were also concerned about increased traffic on already busy roads.

Karen Clee-Ramsing, whose home backs onto the proposed site, said their view would be changed from open fields to houses and estate roads.

She said most of those at the meeting were opposed to the plans and felt Skipton did not need more homes.

“It is worrying if another big development will go ahead in the same part of Skipton as Elsey Croft and the development off Cawder Road and Sharphaw Avenue.

“The extra traffic yet another 114 houses will create on Shortbank Road and around Greatwood School will be utter chaos.”

Mrs Clee-Ramsing was also concerned about the possibility of further phases of more houses being built further into green fields.

“I want people to know this could be just the first phase and it will affect everyone in Skipton,” she said.

Dave Parker, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, confirmed an acceptable offer had been received from the developer, but was conditional on the granting of planning permission.

“The council has received an acceptable offer from the developer for the sale of a strip of land at North Parade and is in the process of agreeing the terms of sale,” he said.

“The sale will only move forward if appropriate planning consent is obtained and the council is mindful of the need to protect and improve recreational and play facilities in the area.”

John Gladwyn, of Amenbury Property, said an outline application could be submitted to Craven District Council in January or February.

He said: “We will be taking on board a number of the points raised and amend our proposals accordingly. I am then hoping to re-meet with a number of residents to see if I can address some of their specific concerns.”