Eggborough: Criticism of plans for just 150 affordable homes in 1,500-house development
The inclusion of just 150 affordable homes in a 1,500-house development would be “absolutely abysmal”, a planning meeting heard.
Members of North Yorkshire Council today (TUESDAY) agreed with concerned local residents that the development on the edge of Eggborough, south of Selby, should include more than ten per cent affordable housing, if the scheme is to be approved.
The authority’s strategic planning committee voted to defer a decision on the outline application from the Bank Group for further work to assess the level of affordable homes needed in the area.
Councillors also agreed to hold a site visit amid concerns about access from the M62, with officers tasked with looking if rail connections could be improved.
The meeting heard that an assessment carried out in 2022 placed Eggborough in an area of the former Selby district where ten per cent affordable housing would be required.
But councillors pointed out that the target for North Yorkshire as a whole was 40 per cent.
Councillor Robert Windass said: “Ten per cent affordable housing is absolutely abysmal.
“We are one authority now and we have been for over two years. It is about time it was brought into line
“I do actually read in the report, it says a minimum of 10 per cent; I hope the developers are listening as the minimum wants raising quite substantially.”
Councillor Neil Swannick said the development had lots of benefits, including new extra care scheme, as well as rail station and bus service improvements.
However, he added: “I am concerned about the criteria for calculating the percentage of affordable housing. I think ten per cent is too low.”
Coucnillor Mary McCartney, from Kellington Parish Council, spoke at the meeting at Selby Civic Centre to urge councillors to insist on more affordable homes.
She said: “Providing a pitiful ten per cent affordable housing is just a pinprick in our housing crisis.
“Please members of the planning committee, increase the number of affordable homes to 40 per cent. Banks can easily afford that.”
The decision was deferred for an independent assessment of affordable and social housing provision, and a review of the mix of housing proposed as part of the development, as well as a site visit and discussions with Network Rail.
Speaking after the meeting, Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, said: “We will continue to work constructively with officers and consultees to respond to the issues raised by councillors.
“We believe these plans will create a high-quality, well-connected and sustainable extension to Eggborough which will incorporate a wide range of benefits to the local community, the local economy and the local environment.”