A DEVELOPMENT of 20 new homes just outside Skipton could mean more children for under subscribed Ings Primary School, heard Craven councillors.

The site, a piece of 'scrub' land off Broughton Road and contained by the bypass and Leeds and Liverpool Canal, can now be developed after getting outline planning consent by Craven District Council.

It will use an access already built and originally approved as a new road to Clay Hall Farm.

Some councillors at Monday's Planning Committee raised concerns about building outside the bypass boundary, its close proximity to the overpass, and it setting a precedent for the use of other developments outside the bypass boundary.

More concerns were raised about the potential dangers of the access point, close to the site of fatal accidents at nearby bends.

But others thought it a good, sustainable site not capable of being extended because of its boundaries and as a possible boost for Ings School, also on Broughton Road.

Cllr Robert Heseltine (Ind) said he understood the safety concerns about the road, but pointed out the point of fatal accidents had been some distance away.

"It would be more advantageous to have more families along Broughton Road who could send their children to Ings School," he said.

He added the site was well bordered and affordable homes were needed, and that a medium scale development was more appropriate for the town.

Cllr Carl Lis (Cons) reminded councillors that Horton in Ribblesdale Primary School was under threat of closure because of falling numbers of pupils.

"This will provide children to go to Ings Primary School, where there is room," he said.

Cllr John Dawson (Cons) said the site had been scruffy for some time, and he welcomed the inclusion of a footpath into town, pointing out walking along the road was 'lethal'.

The development of 20 new homes will include 40 per cent affordable and will have two new pedestrian accesses linking up with the canal towpath, aiding easy access into the town. Councillors were told the site did flood, but that houses would be built at the end furthest away from the underpass with the area liable to flooding turned into open space. A stone border wall will be repaired, and a new, wide grass verge installed between the development and the road.