Home plan changes fail to sway objectors

Members of Scalby Village Trust say that amendments to the “masterplan” for 500 new homes on High Mill Farm, Station Road, have done nothing to allay their fears over the controversial proposal.

The changes made by developers Signet Planning will be considered by planners at Scarborough Borough Council next Thursday.

The update alters the location of houses and industrial units and includes more open space.

The centre has also changed significantly, with the developers abandoning plans for a community hall in favour of a community pavilion and paved space, as well as a “kickabout area”.

Acting secretary of Scalby Village Trust, Sheila Johnson, said Signet had taken some concerns on board following a brief consultation, but there was still a long way to go before they were fully satisfied with the proposal.

“This is a move forward from the original plan but it doesn’t reflect any of the issues that local people are concerned about,” she said.

“Our main concern about this is that there is far more work to be done to the plans and Signet has not listened or connected with the community.

“This is going to impact on the community for years to come and in terms of community involvement there’s been very little.”

The scheme is part of broader plans to build 1,720 homes on three sites in the village at Northfield Way/Castlemount, Ridge Green, and High Mill Farm.

Outline planning permission was obtained for the High Mill Farm development last October and a detailed planning application should be submitted soon.

Hundreds of residents have objected – claiming the scheme will swamp local services, lead to huge traffic problems, and “ruin” the Domesday village of Scalby.

Signet Planning was unavailable for comment.