A SCHEME to build almost a hundred new homes in Skipton by Persimmon Homes has been firmly rejected- because of the impact on existing properties.

Craven District Council,’s planning committee was on Monday recommended to approve the fully detailed, revised application including 20 affordable homes for the greenfield site off Aldersley Avenue.

But councillors rejected the advice and a warning by both the committee chairman and the planning manager that the developer could now appeal against non determination, reducing the authority’s scope to add conditions on any planning consent.

The meeting heard that following an initial refusal of the plans in February, Persimmon had twice returned with amended plans in an attempt to address concerns of overlooking of properties in Moorview Way.

The latest plan sees proposed new properties being rotated by 90 degrees and the widening of a green buffer zone - an attempt to address concerns unusual for a developer, the meeting heard.

A spokesman for objectors said residents of Moorview Way accepted houses would be built, but that they felt ‘over towering’ was still an issue and offered to speak with the developers.

Cllr Eric Jaquin, for Skipton Town Council, said the council opposed the scheme on the grounds of highways, amenity issues, and that road safety was of paramount importance.

Planning consultant Mark Johnson, for Persimmon, said suggested changes to the design were not usual, that the developer should be congratulated and expressed a willingness to make further alterations to one of the proposed new homes.

But Skipton Cllr Robert Heseltine said traffic issues on Shortbank Road would not go away and further criticised the authority for not having a policy in place to secure funding to cover additional school places.

In its observations, North Yorkshire County Council had called on a contribution of £333,102 for primary education facilities, but the meeting was told no such provision existed in saved policies and the draft Craven Local Plan, which does include such provision, was not yet advanced enough.

Councillors were also told if funds went into education, it might mean the developer reducing the amount of affordable housing.

Cllr Heseltine said approval would be a ‘travesty of local democracy’ and foresaw ‘anarchy around the corner’.

“It is a sad state of affairs for residents of Moor View Way “he said.

A proposal to accept officers recommendation and approve the scheme was lost, after which a proposal by Cllr Chris Harbron to refuse the application on the grounds of negative impact on existing properties, went to the vote and succeeded.