Victory for Cromwell over housing scheme

10:24am Friday 9th May 2008

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A development of executive homes close to Skipton Castle was thrown out by planners this week.

Skirfare Properties Ltd wants to build five high-quality homes on the site of a former plant nursery at Park Hill, Chapel Hill.

Craven District Council's planning committee heard Skirfare also proposed two new access roads.

Christine Roberts, agent for Skirfare, said the site had previously been developed and the high-quality housing would enhance the conservation area.

But members heard objectors - including Skipton Town Council and Skipton Castle - say the development would ruin the look and character of an historic part of town.

It was also pointed out that the houses would be visible from the site where Oliver Cromwell rested his army.

Sebastian Fattorini, of Skipton Castle, said the houses would be clearly seen from the castle.

He said the land represented a "green gorge" where the town met the countryside and it was still possible to imagine invading hordes approaching the castle.

Coun Paul Whitaker said there was a lot of history tied up in the area. "These houses would be visible from the old Battery where Cromwell put his army. There is a lot of history in that area and if this was to go ahead, there should be a major dig," he said.

Coun David Heather said: "This would have a major impact on the conservation area. I think it would be a disaster if this development was allowed to go ahead."

The committee refused permission on several grounds, including an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and it would require the lopping of protected trees to the south of the site.