Sir, – I would like to draw the attention of the residents of Romanby to a planning application (14/02609/FUL) submitted to Hambleton District Council by Persimmon Homes Ltd, for the construction of 70 dwellings on the land to the rear of numbers 50 to 66 Ainderby Road, Romanby. Access to the site will require the demolition of an existing property, 56 Ainderby Road.

Residents ought to be aware that although the current application is for 70 dwellings there is a comment concealed within the associated odour assessment which states: “Whilst the development is still in its design stage, current plans are for 114 residential properties with further expansion for an additional 60 to 65.”

The development of this site is outside the limits of the council's own local development plan adopted in 2010 and the strategic housing land availability assessment of October 2014 which covers the period to March 2026.

It should be noted that if the development is approved, this will undoubtedly open the door for development of all the agricultural land to the west of Ainderby Road, including those fields to the south of the football ground which have already been the subject of five days of survey work.

I would urge all residents of Romanby, especially those with dwellings along Ainderby Road, who have a care for our community to follow the example of our hardworking parish council and object most strongly to the council to prevent this totally unnecessary development from taking place. This is the thin end of the wedge, leading to substantial further housing development.

JD MYERS

Lees Lane, Romanby.