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24
Nov
58 homes set for approval in Bishop Monkton despite fears over sewage in streets
A 58-home scheme in Bishop Monkton looks set to be given the green light despite concerns about the ability of the village's sewage system to cope with the expansion.
North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon area planning committee will meet to decide whether to approve the Alfa Homes scheme on December 2.
But council case officer Helen Goulden has recommended it grants the go-ahead, subject to a list of 30 conditions.
The number of homes planned for the 3.5-hectare arable field, which would be accessed from Knaresborough Road and Moor Road, has been reduced from 98, 88 and 60 and is now at 58.
The latest revision followed a consultation in November last year to address flooding concerns raised by Bishop Monkton Parish Council and residents’ group Bishop Monkton Action Group.
An action group photo showing sewage on the streets.
Ms Goulden’s report said an updated flood risk assessment in August 2025 and a drainage statement last month had addressed concerns about surface water drainage.
She added there had been other “significant revisions”, including a reduction in the number of homes from 60 to 58, a “less regimented and uniform layout”, better pedestrian connections to Knaresborough Road and amended house types.
But the parish council said flooding remained a “major concern” and new homes would “add to the already inadequate infrastructure that handles foul and surface water”.
The action group said the latest plans contained “some welcome improvements” but said “with the nature of flooding risks during heavy rains residents are concerned for their safety”.
A total of 108 local representations were made objecting to the development. Concerns about lack of infrastructure and the development not being in keeping with village character were among the other concerns raised.
Ms Goulden concluded:
The benefit of providing 58 homes, including affordable housing, on an allocated site makes a positive contribution to the delivery of housing.
With conditions and planning obligations in place, there would be no significant harm created by the development that would outweigh the social and economic benefits of the scheme.
As such, and in accordance with NPPF Paragraph 11d the application is recommended for approval.
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