Kirkbymoorside councillors object to 270-home proposal (From Gazette & Herald)

Kirkbymoorside councillors object to 270-home proposal at Westfields

12:46pm Wednesday 8th August 2012 in News By Karen Darley

Kirkbymoorside Town Council is to put forward strong objections to controversial plans to build up to 270 homes in the town.

Members of the public, who packed Church House on Monday, were also invited to air their views concerning the scheme by Gladman Developments for land at Westfields.

Coun Sarah Ward, who is also a member of Ryedale District Council, said there had been a good turn-out with everyone against the development.

She said: “The town council agreed to submit its response to the district council this week on a number of grounds. These include the fact that the site is outside permitted development limits, is on good agricultural land and the fact that the Ryedale Plan indicates small to medium-sized housing developments for Kirkbymoorside while this is twice the size determined for large scale development.”

Coun Ward said there was also concern about the increase in traffic, particularly in West End which already suffered from congestion.

“It was also felt this development would affect the infrastructure and raise flooding issues and there were additional concerns about adequate employment and transport,” she said.

Resident Brian Hewitt said he had left the meeting hopeful that the application would not succeed.

“I am anxious about the effect this scheme would have on the town which is outside its existing boundary and which would generate a lot more traffic particular around the primary school,” he said.

Ryedale District Council’s planning committee is due to discuss the plan later this month but the meeting heard it is likely councillors will be recommended to carry out a visit to the site at Westfields, where many of the houses could be destined for the elderly.

The district council has extended the deadline for formal comments from the town council to be submitted by Friday. Residents were also urged to send protest letters the planning committee and to attend the meeting when the application is discussed.

Gladman Developments of Congleton, Cheshire, has submitted an application to build up to 220 homes, potentially including affordable homes, plus 50 apartments for older people with care needs, on land at Westfields.

•  Members of a steering group leading the Kirkbymoorside Community Plan are separately working on a questionnaire which will be sent to householders and businesses with a view to determining the future shape of the town.