Objectors win battle against new homes

4:57pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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Plans to build a terrace of four homes in Lothersdale were thrown out this week.

Councillors agreed with villagers that the scheme would put an unbearable strain on the area's water supply.

The application, for Johnny's Croft, in Rook Street, also included the creation of parking spaces for the nearby village hall.

At Craven District Council's Planning Committee meeting, councillors heard objections from the parish council and from a residents' association.

John Binns, acting parish council chairman, said the homes by The Wilson Trust would fundamentally change the character of the village.

"This is the only piece of open space in this part of the village. There is no provision for any natural area to be retained and the whole croft would be lost under Tarmac and housing," he said.

Nick Murray, chairman of Dale End Residents' Association, said most residents of nearby Dale End were opposed to the development. "It will totally spoil the nature of our village and could set a precedent for the development of other open spaces," he added.

Mr Murray said there was a serious shortage of water in the village, which would be made worse by the addition of more houses. "We have virtually no water and it will run out in the summer. Putting in a bore hole is not the answer," he told the meeting.

Ward councillor Mark Wheeler said the development was sporadic and he could see no benefit for the village.

"Were we to approve this development, this particular part of the village would be irrevocably changed," he said.