Dales village loses fight to stop housing estate on green land

Members of Craven Council’s planning committee had refused permission in September last year for a residential development off Green Lane at Glusburn, a North Yorkshire village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Councillors had rejected an outline application for 49 homes on the grounds that some elements of the development would have had an unacceptable visual impact on the area.

Members of the planning committee were also not satisfied that an appropriate mix of house sizes was being provided.

But their decision has been overturned by a Government planning inspector.

Government inspector John Gray, of the Planning Inspectorate, said in a report: “The council does not challenge the principle of development. It acknowledges a continuing and worsening shortage of available housing land.”

He added: “Green Lane has a distinctive character – not clearly rural but equally not urban.

“The dense and compact layout of the houses along its west side is more urban than rural. Opposite, however, is mostly open land – but at a much higher level than the Lane, retained by a stone wall varying up to more than 2m high.

“What is inevitable is that the existing character of Green Lane would be radically altered by the proposed access.”

The inspector said the area was not in a conservation zone and the wall in question is not listed and nor are buildings on the west side of Green Lane.

“Accordingly, there is no duty to have regard to preservation. The requirement is for high quality design which would respect and sit comfortably in its context.”

Local politicians have expressed their dismay at the Planning Inspector’s decision.

Independent councillor Philip Barrett said: “This appeal decision will destroy the character and appearance of one of the oldest parts of Glusburn.

“It’s a sad time for Glusburn and the many local residents who vehemently opposed it.

“While it’s inevitable some land will have to be released for future local housing, it’s vital all sites are carefully identified by the Council with local community involvement rather than developers calling the tune.

He added: “In order to protect Craven from much more speculative development like this, Craven Council must therefore make it a number one priority to produce its Local Development Plan.

“Otherwise developers will continue with their onslaught of our green fields.”

The chairman of Craven Council’s planning committee, Coun Richard Welch, was just as dismayed.

He said: “I am disappointed by the decision to overturn the Council’s refusal of planning permission.

“We now must move forward and accept that planning permission has been granted to develop this site. Hopefully the developer will work with the Council in the submission of the further information to achieve a high quality development for the residents of Glusburn.”

Parish councillor Patrick Hargreaves said the parish council had previously taken on a planning expert to argue against the proposal.

He said members of Craven Council’s planning committee had shown determination and strength in opposing the plans,

“The parish council has reflected the views of a lot of local people. We held two public meetings attended by around 100 people. In a survey 80 per cent of people said they did not want development on green field land.

“My reaction is one of disappointment. I am not impressed with the Planning Inspectorate report. It has left me bemused and there are some things in it which appear contradictory which I do not understand.”