Green belt retirement village plan rejected

Nigel and Judy Bell, owners of Shepherd’s Purse Cheeses, near Thirsk, wanted to build the 60-acre Thornton Gate complex on land between Thornton le Moor and South Otterington.

The proposals for the 150-unit site attracted widespread criticism from residents and even triggered the creation of an action group specifically to oppose it.

The application was refused by Hambleton District Council last year but the Bells were undeterred and lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate which conducted a four-day hearing last month.

Now planning inspector Andrew Poulter has dismissed it. He said: “I conclude that the proposed development would be significantly harmful to the character and appearance of the area... there would be benefits in terms of affordable housing, employment and provision of care for the elderly.

“However, it has not been demonstrated that a location in the open countryside is essential.”

Maurice Cann, the district council’s head of planning, said he was delighted with the decision. He said: “Naturally we were very pleased with the decision but not at all surprised that the inspector upheld what was always a very clear set of circumstances.

“In very simple terms it’s a good idea but it is in the wrong place. The landscape impact would be adverse and it would exacerbate highway safety concerns on the A168 where visibility would not be good enough.

“The main problem though would be that it is the wrong place for sustainable development. The council has lots of site for development over the next 20 years and there are opportunities for that sort of development to take place there.”

Mr and Mrs Bell declined to comment and their agent, John Goodwin was unavailable.