Fears over scrutiny of homes plan in outbreak

CONTROVERSIAL PLANS to build a new housing estate on the edge of a Yorkshire Dales market town are being pushed through under the cover of the coronavirus pandemic, residents have claimed.

Residents in Leyburn said it was unacceptable that they were being given just three weeks to scrutinise the plans for the 127home development. They have previously raised concerns over the consultation for another proposed development – a planned garden superstore and hotel – being held during the lockdown.

Yorvik Homes lodged a planning application with Richmondshire District Council for 103 houses and 24 bungalows at Hill Top Farm in March, having consulted residents over plans for the site last year. In planning documents, the developer said it would provide a range of properties to help counter housing shortages, including 29 per cent affordable housing, as well as three areas of open space, including a children’s playground.

Residents said objections were raised at a meeting in November over “inadequate road access, the risk of causing more flooding in the town, and pressure on local health services and schools”.

They said they were promised a further consultation and Richard Sanderson, the town council’s chairman, added: “People need an opportunity to voice an opinion. This is a big thing for the town.”

Derek Riley, a former town councillor, said the May 29 cut-off date for comments was “wholly unacceptable”.

He added: “As we are still under the lockdown there is no way public consultation meetings can take place with Leyburn town council, centrally with Richmondshire District Council, or with the developers.”

A council spokesman said notices had been displayed around the site and sent to residents, as well as being advertised in a newspaper.