Overseers of a 250-year-old trust have been accused of keeping Skipton people in the dark about how they operate.

Trustees of the Tarn Moor estate are considering selling land off Raikes Road in Skipton for the development of 55 homes, with the cash raised used to benefit the town.

But residents living near the proposed housing scheme accused the trustees of a “lack of transparency”, an “unwillingness to speak” and refusing to meet them to talk about the trust’s activities.

Opponents of the housing plan also voiced their opposition at a recent town council meeting, accusing trustees of keeping things close to their chests.

But chairman of the trust Brian Phillip refutes the claim, and said the money would be used to create a wildlife area on the estate for the whole town to enjoy.

Outline plans for the homes have already been submitted for the project on a triangular piece of land between the A65 and White Hills Lane.

It would include affordable homes and is a joint venture between the trustees and Carleton-based builders RN Wooler and Co.

Jo Tamsons, whose home in Raikes Road overlooks the plot, said: “We made two formal approaches to arrange meetings but were rejected on both occasions.

“Our request was triggered by the proposed sale of the land but we want to know more about the trust’s decision-making.

“While we know that the trust has done many good deeds over the years for the people of Skipton, their lack of transparency and unwillingness to speak to local residents is a cause for concern.”

Residents questioned why the trust was not considering other options to get the best price for the land rather than selling it straight to a local builder People have until August 23 to comment about the proposed development and a decision is expected by October 21.

As well as Mr Phillip, the trust also includes Barry Rawson, Paul Greaves and town council representatives Robert Heseltine and Paul Whitaker.

Mr Phillip insisted the trust had been entirely open about the proposals, having held a special open day to introduce the outline plan to residents.

The trust, which was set up in 1767, and in recent years has given large capital grants to a number of organisations, no longer advertises for people to come forward to bid for grants because that method attracted very few requests.

Mr Phillip said the money raised by the sale of the land would be used to reinstate the tarn which once occupied a site off Grassington Road and used to supply water to Skipton.

“We want to turn it back into a wildlife area and connect it with the other footpaths on the estate land. It will provide an ideal opportunity to join up all the estate land so it can be used as an amenity for Skipton people.” he said.