Controversy over plans for Scargill House (From Craven Herald)

Controversy over plans for Scargill House

3:40pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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Villagers who fear plans for a £6.5 million development at a Dales religious retreat will create an eyesore “as bright as Blackpool illuminations” have called on the Prince of Wales for support.

Residents in Kettlewell hope the heir to the throne – known for his dislike of modern architecture – will back their campaign against proposals to develop nearby Scargill House with an extra 26 en-suite guest rooms and dining room for 200 people.

Neighbouring home owners have had a preview of plans – which feature state-of-the-art glass fronted buildings – ahead of their submission to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Kettlewell Parish Council has called a meeting on Monday evening.

But some residents have already expressed concerns in correspondence to Prince Charles, who visited a Kettlewell development of affordable housing in 2004.

According to Bradford-based architects Halliday Clark, the project will be completed in five stages over five years.

It will include 26 new en-suite guest bedrooms, a dining hub for around 200 people, a car park for around 100 cars, a new-build youth zone for 35 children and five leaders and a multi-purpose hall.

Opponent Anna Craven, of Rose Cottage, Kettlewell, said: “I have yet to meet a Kettlewell resident who supports the redevelopment.

“Most people I have talked to feel the same as I do, that the design is totally inappropriate for the location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. As a modern design it seemed already outdated and unimaginative, but neither is it in harmony with the existing buildings.”

Miss Craven was also concerned about access and increase in traffic and the upheaval caused to village life by building work.

Another Kettlewell resident, who wished not to be identified, was “extremely worried that the countryside would be spoiled for generations to come”.

“There is a concrete cube as the main building and the rest of the buildings have floor-to-ceiling glass to take advantage of the views,” the resident said. “The light pollution will be massive. Apart from the detrimental effect on wildlife, especially the bat population, it will look like Blackpool illuminations.”

Phil Stone, director of the Scargill Movement, which owns the retreat, said he was aware of some opposition and wished to address concerns.

“We are very keen that Scargill is part of and involved in the local community,” he said. “We had the briefing for villagers because we wanted to hear their remarks and listen to what they have to say.

“We are now in the process of responding fully to the letters we have received and we wish to invite members of the parish council to the site so they can have a look round and learn more about what we’ve got planned.” Chairman of Kettlewell Parish Council Chris Beazley said: “I’ve got a completely open mind at this stage and it will be our job to make representations based on what villagers tell us.”

Monday’s meeting will take place in the village hall at 7pm.