Plans for more than 200 homes on Yorkshire farmland approved
Plans for a 204-home development on farmland near Selby have been recommended for approval despite more than 160 objections from residents and opposition from parish councillors.
North Yorkshire Council’s Selby and Ainsty area planning committee will next week consider the application by Redrow Homes for nearly eight hectares of agricultural land off Mill Lane, Brayton.
The developer seeks permission for the construction of 204 dwellings, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure on the western edge of the village.
The proposal has generated significant local opposition, with 162 objections lodged during several rounds of consultation.
Concerns raised by residents include increased traffic, pressure on schools and GP services, loss of greenfield land, drainage issues, impact on wildlife and fears the development would harm the rural character of Brayton.
Brayton Parish Council also objected, arguing the scale of development was “out of keeping” with the village and warning the nearby A19 junction would struggle to cope with additional traffic from potentially hundreds of extra vehicles.
Council landscape and urban design officers also objected, saying the scheme failed to create a strong sense of place and was “overly dense, car-dominated, poorly connected for pedestrians and cyclists”.
Planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement covering affordable housing, highways improvements, healthcare and education contributions, along with a range of planning conditions.
Officers concluded the benefits outweighed the harm, noting that the council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
A report to councillors stated that the development would provide a “significant contribution” towards market and affordable housing delivery in a sustainable location close to village services.
It added: “The adverse impacts of granting permission would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.
“The proposal benefits from the presumption in favour of sustainable development.”
The scheme includes 20 affordable homes, public open space, a children’s play area and biodiversity improvements.
Contributions towards primary education, SEND provision, bus service improvements and healthcare facilities are also proposed.
Planned mitigation measures include reducing the Mill Lane speed limit to 30mph, extending the 30mph zone on the A19 and improvements at local traffic lights.