Council officials back homes proposal in face of opposition

Specialist housing association provider The Abbeyfield Society wants to extend a Victorian villa called The Woodlands, in Woodlands Drive, to provide an extra care facility.

But the proposed scheme has met with opposition from people who have raised concerns about its impact on ancient woodland, traffic generation and over development.

The property, which is set within extensive grounds, is already used to provide sheltered accommodation for elderly residents.

Abbeyfield wants to create 26 new two-bedroom apartments and refurbish the existing building to provide five one-bedroom apartments.

The proposed scheme also includes an external central courtyard area and parking spaces for 10 vehicles.

It would offer self-contained accommodation for vulnerable older people with a range of dependency needs who require varying levels of care and support.

But Craven Council has received 12 letters from people objecting to the plans.

Critics have claimed the access road is too narrow with no pavement and is unsuitable to accommodate the additional traffic.

They fear the development will be a highway safety problem and cause congestion and that pedestrian safety will be a particular issue.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of school children as it has been claimed that the level of traffic in the area is already "excessively high."

Opponents of the scheme claim it does not include enough off- street parking which may lead to people parking on Woodlands Drive.

Critics say that the proposed development scale is "excessive in the conservation area and is not in keeping with Woodlands, its historic garden area or character of the surrounding area."

Opponents have raised concerns about disruption and highway safety during building work and claim the access road is not suitable to accommodate construction traffic.

There are also fears that there will be an increase in noise, disturbance and disruption once the development is completed.

And concerns have been raised about the development's impact on trees and ecology, with claims that the scheme "will result in the destruction and disruption of a wildlife habitat."

However a report to be put before Craven Council's Planning Committee on November 15 recommends councillors approve the scheme. It says: "Subject to conditions the proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle, and with respect to highway safety, the impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area, residential amenity, impact on trees and ecology, drainage, and all other material planning considerations.

"The benefits that the scheme brings to provide accommodation and care needs for elderly residents are an important factor in the decision to approve the application."

The scheme has secured the support of Craven Council's Strategic Housing.

The report says that it has commented that "this is the model supported and set out in Our Future Lives, North Yorkshire County Council's strategy on care and housing for the elderly, moving away from the more traditional residential care home."

It adds that: "The facility will offer affordable homes for both rent and shared ownership for those with both a housing and a care need. In addition, the proposal has been supported by NYCC as reflecting the guidelines within its Accommodation with Care Design Guide and Ethos 2010 and has been approved for funding by both North Yorkshire County Council (Second Homes Fund) and the Homes and Communities Agency."