Villages under threat after homes verdict

It is with a now familiar resignation that I read your coverage (Yorkshire Post, June 1) of the outcome of the recent planning appeal relating to Grimes Dyke in Harewood Ward.

The appeal, granted by Planning Inspectorate, gave outline planning permission for up to 400 homes on the site just off the A64 York Road: a decision that will have very real ramifications for residents in the nearby villages of Scholes and Thorner.

Both villages have a distinct sense of identity which is now under threat from the sheer volume of houses that are to be built under this proposal.

Despite the best efforts of local people, both parish councils, the city council and politicians of all persuasions to argue against this development, the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate saw fit to give the green light to effectively create another village in the area.

The collective anxiety this decision has caused in both Scholes and Thorner is palpable. Quite what the impact such a sprawling build will have on both the character and appearance of both villages is subject to much debate.

What is clear, though, is that the sooner the Government’s Localism Bill comes on stream the better.

The Bill, which has its second reading at the Lords this month , will see the unequivocal scrapping of top down housing targets and real powers devolved to local community’s to help dictate how their area evolves in line with their very own Neighbourhood Plans.

Until then, we can only continue to lobby the powers that be to take seriously local concerns as these type of decisions leave not only a nasty taste in the mouth but sadly a lasting legacy too.