New plans submitted for smaller Dunlopillo development

Last updated Jan 7, 2022

The former Dunlopillo office block in Pannal

Plans have been submitted to build an apartment block with fewer homes than what has already been agreed at the former Dunlopillo factory in Pannal.

Developer Echo Green Developments was granted planning permission in September 2021 to demolish the main office block and build 48 apartments.

However, the decision, which was made under permitted development rights, was met with anger from some residents. Pannal historian Anne Smith said the village would be lumbered with a “skyscraper-type building” due to its extra two storeys.

Conservative MP Andrew Jones also spoke out against the scheme and said it should have been decided by a vote from the council’s planning committee.

Office-to-residential permitted development rights were brought in under the Conservative government and can be used by developers to fast track the redevelopment of disused offices.

Fewer apartments

The developer has now submitted new plans which would supersede the previously approved plans.

It includes 38 apartments, fewer than the original proposal, but would still be two storeys taller than the demolished building.

Architect drawings of how the building would look.

Commenting on his website, Andrew Jones MP said:

“This time round I want as many residents as possible to submit their views and I will certainly support a request for it to go before the council’s planning committee should the parish council wish it to do so.

“In the meantime I encourage residents to submit their views to the council.”