HOUSEBUILDING giant Persimmon Homes has lodged plans to build 97 new homes in Skipton.

After consulting with nearby residents, it has submitted a full, detailed application for four fields off Aldersley Avenue, on the outskirts of the town.

If successful, it will mean the housebuilder buying land currently occupied by semi-derelict domestic garages at the entrance to the proposed development and owned by Craven District Council.

The development features a mixture of house types, with the amount of affordable homes subject to a 'viability appraisal', and a single access off Aldersley Avenue.

Objections already received by the council include concerns over traffic and impact on schools and essential services.

People also point out the cumulative effect of the development on top of the nearly completed similarly sized Elsey Croft estate - also off Otley Road.

The council has also received a recommendation from North Yorkshire's archaeology team that a 'full evaluation' be carried out of the site to determine any possible Prehistoric to Roman remains.

Persimmon, which has submitted a full planning application without first obtaining outline planning consent, said it was looking forward to a 'positive outcome'.

Wayne Gradwell, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire said: “Following a successful pre-application meeting with Craven District Council we are delighted to have submitted our planning application for 90 new homes off Aldersley Avenue in Skipton. We believe our application is comprehensive and is supported by all the necessary assessments on transport, landscape, ecology, trees and drainage. This is an exciting development for us and we are looking forward to a positive outcome.”

Skipton ward councillor Eric Jaquin said he was currently talking to residents about the application and whereas some people were against the development, others were not.

A special meeting of Skipton Town Council's Plans Committee - a consultee on the application - will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday, October 13 at the town hall.