NETWORK Rail has commented on re-development plans for a residential caravan site in Gargrave.

Plans for the Old Saw Mill in Marton Road, involve the replacement of permanent caravans at the riverside site with 12 new homes, and also the conversion of the sawmill building to two apartments.

The latest plans were submitted almost two years ago to the former Craven District Council, and followed an earlier application that was refused by the then council in 2020.

In its recently submitted comments to North Yorkshire Council, Network Rail says it has no objections in principle to the proposed development, which is close to a railway embankment and bridge.

Aaron Walsh, town planning technician for Network Rail Property (East) says the developer of the houses needs to take railway noise mitigation.

"The developer should be aware that any development for residential or noise sensitive use adjacent to an operational railway may result in neighbour issues arising. Consequently, every endeavour should be made by the developer to provide adequate soundproofing for each dwelling. In a worst-case scenario, there could be trains running 24-hours a day, and the soundproofing should take this into account."

Mr Walsh also asks for other conditions on the scheme, should it be approved, that the developer liaise with Network Rail's asset protection team before work starts to make sure that the houses can be built safely and without impact on 'operational railway safety'; and also that drainage associated with the site does not cause any damage to adjacent railway assets.

He also calls for details of any external lighting to be submitted to the council and approved with Network Rail.

He states: "Where lighting is to be erected adjacent to the operational railway, the potential for train drivers to be dazzled must be eliminated. In addition, the location and colour of the lights must not give rise to the potential for confusion with the signalling arrangements on the railway."

The Environment Agency has objected to the scheme on grounds of flood risk, but has withdrawn an earlier objection to do with risk to nature, provided a 'dark corridor' is maintained along the River Aire.

Gargrave Parish Council has raised no objection to the proposed development, subject to an extension of the speed limit and that it be reduced from the current 30mph to 20mph. The council has also asked that lighting and a footpath be constructed to the village.

In November last year, North Yorkshire Council's planning manager said the application would be decided by a 'forthcoming meeting' of the council's planning committee.