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    10

    May 2024

    Last Updated: 10/05/2024
    Environment
    Environment

    Government approves 23-home plan in Bishop Monkton

    by Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter

    | 10 May, 2024
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    bishopmonktonhomes-3
    Site layout for the Bishop Monkton scheme.

    The government has given the go-ahead for 23 new homes in Bishop Monkton despite concerns over drainage and sewage from residents.

    Kebbell Development Ltd tabled a plan to build the houses on Knaresborough Road in the village, but it was refused by councillors on North Yorkshire Council's planning committee in August last year.

    The developer took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, the body which deals with planning disputes, and argued there were "no material considerations that indicate planning permission should not be granted".

    However, in December, Bishop Monkton Action Group urged the government to throw out the appeal.

    In a 26-page letter of objection submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, the campaign group said the scheme would “threaten the sustainability of our village”.

    The group said it had concerns over the impact on drainage and sewage, as well as a “historic lack of investment” in the area’s sewer system.

    Now, planning inspector T Burnham has approved the scheme on appeal.

    In a decision notice published yesterday, the inspector said the proposal would have “no unacceptable impact on the local sewerage system”.

    However, they noted that a loss of hedgerow on Knaresborough Road would have an impact on the Church of St John the Baptist, but it would be “less than substantial”.

    The inspector said:

    “I have afforded the less than substantial harm to the setting of the designated heritage assets considerable importance and weight.
    “Nonetheless, that harm is outweighed by the substantial economic and social benefits of delivering 23 dwellings, which would be enjoyed by many people over the years, a proportion of which would be affordable dwellings on a site which is allocated for residential development.”


    The inspector also awarded partial costs against North Yorkshire Council for "unreasonable behaviour that has resulted in unnecessary and wasted expense in the appeals process".




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