Residents’ land protest
A group of Scarborough residents have raised concerns after an area of land to the east of Red Scar Lane, Newby, was put forward for consideration as suitable for development.
The land, currently used for agricultural purposes, covers 54.5 acres.
Fiona Mullane, who lives in Newby, said: “It is, in my opinion, land which is completely unsuitable for housing in view of its proximity to the border with the national park where the views will be detrimentally affected, its topography and infrastructure problems.
“There are many people who are extremely concerned about it. It will affect not just the immediate neighbours but also many users of the national park, Throxenby Mere, Raincliffe Woods and even residents as far away as the town centre as this piece of land can be seen from the castle!”
Scarborough Council is currently in the process of reviewing the borough’s Local Plan and have put out a 'Call for Sites', whereby landowners, site promoters and developers can submit sites for inclusion in the Local Plan.
When sites are submitted, members of the public are then invited to comment on those put forward for consideration.
Mrs Mullane, who is a notary public, said: “The roads are completely inappropriate. There is subsidence around the hillside and problems with flooding.
“Thereistoomuchlandbeing allocated for development on this side of Scarborough without the infrastructure to support it.
“People come here because it’s lovely and they won’t come if they build a massive housing estate.”
Cllr Subash Sharma, a representative for the Newby Ward on Scarborough Council, is a member of the planning committee and therefore unable to comment. He said: “I have told those with concerns that if they have any objections, they should put them in, but they should ensure that there is a planning basis to them.”
Those who would like to know more about the submission and to see a map of the area covered by the proposal can visit www.scarborough.gov.uk/localplanreview where comments may be submitted via the online portal.
Objections and comments must be made to the council by September 9.