Objections over Sutton housing plans (From Craven Herald)

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes plan 54 homes

9:20am Friday 27th January 2012 in News

A proposal to build 54 homes on a field in Sutton-in-Craven has resulted in a “storm” of objections from villagers.

Developers Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have submitted an outline plan to erect a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses on land off Holme Lane, known locally as Thompson’s Field.

In addition to the houses, the plans include a car-parking area, landscaped riverside walk, wildflower meadow and structural planting.

The proposed access would be via a mini-roundabout that forms a four-leg junction with Holme Lane north, Holme Lane south and Bridge Road.

The developers have said the additional number of vehicles generated by a new development would have negligible effect on the road network, and the mini-roundabout would help control traffic speeds over Holme Lane Bridge.

Earlier this month, Sutton-in-Craven Parish Council held a public meeting, and chairman Coun Neil Whitaker said more than 140 residents voiced their opposition.

“It amazed me at how many turned up,” said Coun Whitaker. “Their objections ranged from sewer problems, bad access to the village and not having enough infrastructure to cope.”

“More than 300 objectors have registered their concerns with Craven District Council’s planning department, and we as a parish council have a list of objections.

“I think we’ve had enough building in Sutton. Over the last ten years the former Bairstow’s Mill site, Greenroyd Mill and the Woodturner’s site have been developed.

“They should be looking at other areas for building,” he added. “This area has been designated as a service centre for South Craven, but I don’t see how we can be when we don’t even have a train service.”

Coun Whitaker said the proposed development had “taken the village by storm” ever since Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes registered their interest in the field, which is used as grazing land for sheep.

Bob Young, who lives at Hazel Grove Road, was one of several people to object when the proposals were initially presented to villagers at a public consultation last September.

“It’s one of the only green spaces left in the village,” said Mr Young.