DEVELOPERS behind refused plans to build 42 new homes next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near to Niffany bends, on the outskirts of Skipton, have gone to appeal.

Mandale Homes scheme for the site, which is off Broughton Road and lies partially below the Western Skipton bypass flyover, was recommended for approval by the council’s planning department but was refused by councillors in May.

The decision notice issued by the council at the end of June, states reasons for refusal on highways grounds as well as impact on the area, financial contribution for education and concerns over flooding.

It says there would be an ‘unacceptable impact upon highway safety’ as a result of ‘not providing a formal comprehensive traffic/speed survey at a location of the proposed entrance’.

Refusal is also given because the developer has ‘failed to provide 200m visibility splays - which are used to ensure the safe entrance and exit to the site - which is contrary to the council’s local plan’.

In addition, the council says ‘the proposal does not adequately demonstrate that sufficient financial contribution for education provision would be provided’ and also that ‘the proposal would have an unacceptable impact upon the character of the area by virtue of its siting and density.’

Lastly, the decision notice states: “It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the submitted details have not adequately demonstrated that the proposed sustainable drainage system can be adequately handled within the site, and that the development is likely to result in flooding of the surrounding area.”

The applicants, which submitted the application in January, 2019, have now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate which is expected to hold a hearing rather than make a decision by written representations.

The council’s planning committee, meeting in May in the council chamber for the first time since March last year, described the scheme as a ‘colossal overdevelopment of the site, which was on the wrong side of the bypass and could set a precedent for further development.

Outline planning permission for up to 20 homes on the site was given the go-ahead by the council in 2016.