CRAVEN District Council has confirmed it is seeking a judicial review over the decision by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate to approve plans to build 98 new homes in Skipton without making provision for extra school places.

A decision to allow the development at Aldersley Avenue, which had twice been refused by Craven District Council, was given by the Planning Inspectorate towards the end of last year following a successful appeal by Persimmon Homes.

A council spokesman said: “We have issued Judicial Review proceedings and await a response to the claim . The parties (The government office and Persimmon Homes) served have 21 days to decide whether they wish to take part in proceedings.

“It is disappointing that this matter could not be resolved without the need to issue legal proceedings. However, action was considered necessary given the Inspector’s failure to require the developer to make a contribution towards the extra school places the development will generate, despite the Policy requirement clearly set out in the newly adopted Local Plan.”