HUNDREDS of new homes could be built in Skipton following a meeting of Craven planners next week.

Two separate planning applications, for up to 140 homes at the top of The Bailey, and a further 98 off Aldersley Avenue are both recommended for approval at Monday's planning committee meeting of Craven District Council.

Councillors will be advised to give the go-ahead to both schemes on grounds including that the council does not currently have a 'robust' five year housing land supply.

Those opposed to the Aldersley Avenue scheme, put forward by major housebuilder Persimmon Homes, were encouraged when a decision was deferred at last month's meeting for a representative of North Yorkshire highways authority to attend and answer concerns about the impact of the development on roads and pedestrian safety.

An officer will attend, and councillors are due to visit the site at Aldersley Avenue, as well as Hawbank Field, at the top of the Bailey, before the meeting, but the recommendation is still to approve.

The Persimmon Homes application, is a fully detailed scheme, which means building can get underway almost straight away - if permission is given.

The almost six hectare site, (14 acres) between Adersley Avenue and Moorview Way, is currently open farmland and is classed outside the development limits of the town.

Proposed is a mixture of terraced, semi-detached and detached homes, with 20 per cent affordable and access off Aldersley Avenue - following the demolition of redundant council garages.

The application by the Pegasus Group for Hawbank Field, at the top of The Bailey, is in outline form - which seeks to establish the principle of building up to 140 homes on the site, and access, off The Bailey.

At a meeting in September last year, Skipton Town Council held a special meeting to discuss the plans which concluded with a unanimous decision to object to the proposals.

The scheme - which takes in 8.8 hectares (21 acres) of farmland, stretching towards Otley Road, would see access off The Bailey, and 30 per cent of the homes would be affordable.

The council has received 82 letters about the plans, 77 from objectors, four in support, and one neutral.

Objections include the scheme not including the 'right' house types, small, affordable ones; and the impact on schools, dentist surgeries and GP practices, as well as hospitals and other services.

There are also concerns about increased traffic both inside the town and leading onto the development and the creation of rat runs.

The highways authority has asked for a contribution from the developer towards improvement work at the junction of A6131 with the A59.

It follows a fatal accident at the junction, which resulted in a petition being presented to the highways authority.

Monday's planning meeting will be held at the council offices, Belle Vue Square, and ids due to start at 1.35pm.