Council u-turn as women’s shelter gets nod
Increased offer for land seals deal for 10 flats
A shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence will be built after a developer upped its bid for the land.
The Home Group hit out at Scarborough Council’s cabinet after it went back on its agreement to sell the land at Danes Dyke in Newby in July.
The cabinet was told the value of the land had increased and voted to put it back out to tender.
However, at a meeting on Tuesday morning the same committee was told the Home Group had increased its offer for the land, close to the new value placed on it by officers.
The plans will see a shelter for 10 families built on land in the cul-de-sac.
Local residents objected to the plans, stating the building of the refuge would have a negative impact on the elderly people living nearby.
One of the main opponents was the then deputy leader Cllr Derek Bastiman, who then moved up to the role of leader following May’s election.
Cllr Bastiman told the residents in his ward he would “fight it all the way” and that he did not take on fights he could not win.
But in the meeting his cabinet voted in favour of giving the land to the Home Group at the new price.
Cllr Bill Chatt said: “This is a much-needed service and we need this in Scarborough.
Fellow councillor Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff added: “We have to take into account all the women and children who live in fear of their lives. “There are children growing up thinking that violence is a regular part of life.”
New figures show 115 people in the borough have been identified as requiring accommodation because of domestic violence in the last five years.
Rachael Byrne, Home Group executive director of care and support, said: “We are delighted that the cabinet have reconsidered their decision and will now be reviewing our future plans for this project.”
Newby and Scalby Parish Council “strongly objected” to the plans for the flats, which will be opposite a 40-bed retirement home.
Families of people living there said the impact of construction would be detrimental to the elderly residents due to noise and traffic.