Affordable housing plan runs into trouble

According to official league tables, the Dales community of Richmondshire is the 12th least affordable place to live in the country.

Now social landlord Endeavour Housing is seeking planning consent for a dozen homes on farmland off Bedale Road, Scotton, near Richmond, for those struggling to get on the property ladder.

Although they back the principle of affordable dwellings, both Tunstall and Scotton Parish Councils say the site is dangerously close to a busy road.

More than 40 residents have also petitioned against the plans.

They object to building on a green field site when there are "plenty" of brown field sites in the surrounding area crying out for regeneration.

"If this small development goes ahead it will set a precedent and lead to larger developments in the future," the residents' objection continues.

"The proposed site is not part of the established community. It is separated by a busy, fast moving road – a road that children and adults will have to cross if they wish to socialise with other residents in Scotton."

There is also concern about the potential of "problem families with unruly teenagers being moved in", Richmondshire councillors will be told at a planning meeting on January 5.

The meeting will also hear claims that the development is not wanted by Scotton residents, and that the village is already big enough. But Richmondshire district councillors will be urged to vote to approve the scheme.

Planning officer Brian Hodges argued that the scheme would "offer more benefits through the provision of much needed affordable housing than any disadvantages".