Bainbridge housing development approved - subject to improved design (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Bainbridge housing development approved - subject to improved design

5:20pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News By Ashley Barnard, Reporter (Richmond)

A PROPOSED development of five two-bedroom houses and three three-bedroom houses has been approved by planning committee members – but the developer must improve their design.

The site lies behind the Rose and Crown Hotel in Bainbridge and currently consists of part of the existing hotel car park and an area containing three static caravans.

There is also a barn next to the hotel which would have to be demolished.

The properties, while not affordable housing, would range in price from £145,000 to £180,000.

The parish council believes it would enliven and enhance the village, and offer a chance of home ownership to people who could not otherwise afford it.

Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority planning committee were split over the scheme at a meeting on Tuesday, March 12, with some saying the project was not within local plan guidelines as it did not include any affordable housing.

However, Coun John Blackie argued that the homes, at local market rates, would ease the pressure on the need for affordable housing.

Bainbridge parish councillor Ian Canavan said: “The community has really got behind this proposal.

“There have been objections on the design of the buildings but we think the design is in keeping with the village.”

Coun Ann Brooks said she could not support the plans because they did not fit in the local plan and could set a precedent.

Richmondshire District Councillor Yvonne Peacock said: “The community of Bainbridge is behind this project which is important in maintaining sustainability of the village and keeping services going for the future.”

The plans were approved, subject to an improved design, and the proposal will be brought back to the committee next month.