A scheme to build 38 homes in Gargrave will go ahead after councillors granted planning permission this afternoon.
Skipton and Ripon’s planning committee met at Belle Vue Square in Skipton to consider the plans by R N Wooler and Co Ltd. It followed a previous bid for housing on the site that was deferred in June.
At that meeting, councillors voiced concerns about pedestrians walking on the busy Marton Road.
They also heard that a dairy farm near the site recently intensified its operations which has resulted in a large increase in agricultural traffic.
Objectors have insisted it will be dangerous for residents wanting to walk to and from the village.
Since the previous deferral, the developer has agreed to create a footpath on a section of Marton Road.
However, this was not enough to convince all with Helen Johnson telling councillors the footpath would do little to improve pedestrian safety.
Similarly, Gregory Butt from Gargrave Parish Council said no decision should be made until an independent traffic study could be carried out.
Planning agent Jamie Pert said the developer had been in “productive dialogue” with the council since the deferral.
He added:
“The proposal will not be a detriment to pedestrian safety but a new footpath will be provided to enhance pedestrian linkages and connect the site to existing footpaths.”
The footpath will run on the northern side of the road which will allow footfall from the new development to use the new link to Walton Close, cross Marton Road and progress to the existing footpath alongside the river.
Cllr Robert Heseltine (Conservative & Independent Group, Skipton East & South) said he was happy to vote for approval after being satisfied that officers had listened to the concerns of councillors at the previous meeting.
He added:
“I sincerely hope that residents of Gargrave will welcome their new neighbours warmly and with kindness. It’s a tremendously well-respected community. Its new and old population can surely live together in harmony.”
The committee chair Cllr Nathan Hull (Conservative, Washburn & Birstwith) said the addition of the footpath was a positive example of planning committees improving an application.
He said:
“People may think planning committees just rubber-stamp recommendations but this would have gone through without the footpath if we hadn’t deferred it. We’ve taken a difficult and unpopular application and got some positive things out of it.”
The plans were approved by three votes to none with two abstentions.
Council shares update on Kex Gill realignment scheme ahead of June opening
Women invited to 'Strip back' for Skipton Parkrun for International Women's Day
Airedale Hospital marks milestone after over 100 people use cancer exercise treatment service
Skipton prepares for another successful pride
Skipton football coach completes 100km running challenge following son's Diabetes diagnosis
Council set to spend up to £477,000 on vapes
Skipton Household Waste Recycling Centre temporarily closed
Majority of families secure first choice for secondary school
Skipton Canal Basin to hold Easter event this April
Skipton MP shares concerns to Mayor over new visitor levy
New Look: Red Lion Pub shares images after refurbishment
Get a spring back in your step with a day out at Bolton Abbey
Teens arrested following police chase into Skipton
U-turn over parking fee increase "a bit of a shambles"
Skipton Hotel refurbishments get underway
Skipton BID welcomes wave of new businesses
Council blocks developer's plans to fell 22m high Ash tree
Leeds Bradford Airport opens new multi-faith room
Senior North Yorkshire councillor admits errors in school transport policy
Two arrested following pursuit in Skipton
