A SCHEME to build four detached family homes off Station Road in Giggleswick on land once used as a municipal tip has been given the go ahead by Craven planners.

Objectors at last week’s Planning Committee meeting of Craven District Council urged councillors to defer a decision until the publication of the Craven Local Plan.

They also called for reassurance that a remediation strategy be prepared and acted upon to deal with contamination land on the site, because of its one time use a a tip.

The application received outline planning permission in April, following strong objections from the parish council, a petition of 20 names, 44 letters of objection, and the efforts of ward councillor Richard Welch.

At last week’s meeting, Catherine Peacock, speaking on behalf of objectors, said the four detached homes, all four bedroomed with garages and with access onto Station Road, would not make a positive contribution to the character of the area, and would result in the loss of green space. She added the development would also mean a merging of Settle and Giggleswick and the loss of their own distinctiveness.

But, the primary concern of objectors was the contamination of the land, she said, and they wanted reassurance from the planning authority.

“We would like reassurance that the remediation strategy genuinely stands and will be considered and acted upon and will adequately protect us.”

Planning manager, Neville Watson, said changes to the planning permission now meant a more rigid and precise condition to to with the remediation strategy to be submitted to and approved by the council to deal with contamination land at the site. Any measures identified as a result of the work would then mean a ‘validation report’ would have to be submitted, with timings, for approval to the council.

“Thereafter, the scheme shall be monitored and maintained in accordance with the approved details,” says the condition.

Minor changes to a scheme to build three, two bedroom starter homes with off street parking next to 13, Harper Grove, in Sutton in Craven, were also agreed by the committee.

The Craven District Council scheme has altered slightly so that front stairs will now have space underneath to allow the storage of bins.

Also approved by the council is: Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and side garage, and construction of new single storey rear extension and two storey side extension at 20 Hazel Grove Road, Sutton-in-Craven; change of use of existing stable and extension to form single dwelling at Great Gib Farm, Stockshott Lane, Cononley; Creation of annexe accommodation within existing loft at Upper House Farm, Sutton; change of use of land and buildings to livery use at Hollin Raikes Farm, Sandyforth Lane, Cowling; alterations to three existing flats to form five flats with new dormers to front and rear at 27 to 31 Main Street, Cross Hills.