A total of 325 objections have been lodged against a planned estate of 27 homes on ancient meadows, which objectors have branded “problematic” and “unsafe”.
Campaigners against the site, at Bolton Avenue, Richmond, believe that building the houses would be “disastrous”. But the firm behind the estate, Langlands Developments, says it has considered all of the heritage, ecology and traffic issues raised in planning documents it has submitted to North Yorkshire Council.
This application, which is the second submission from the developers, is looking to build the estate between Green Howards Road and Bolton Avenue in Richmond. In its design and heritage statements, Langlands Development says: “Due to its form and position the development will have the lowest level of ‘less than substantial harm’ on the significance of heritage assets.
“The extensive range of public benefits, in particular the affordable housing and new pedestrian links, clearly outweighs this less than substantial harm to designated heritage assets.”
The estate, which would be known as Bolton Crofts, would have 27 homes, with pedestrian links, eight affordable houses, and shared green space.
However, campaigners who have objected to the application claim there are errors in planning documents. According to campaigner Arwen Webb, the development would be on a school-run route, next to a park, and doctors’ surgery, with cars parked on the public road forcing single-file traffic.
She said: “Other issues relating to safety and environment are the access onto the site which is a single file pinch point with priority right of way, blocking residents’ drives, concerns about emissions and general chaos and poor visibility when accessing the development. Not to mention the construction of the site – deposits of soil, hardcore etc to make the development work as it will be built into a hill.”
Some objectors fear the housing estate would be visible from Richmond Castle, a claim that Langlands Development has denied.
In its heritage statement, the developers say: “The proposed development will result in a minimal overall impact to the conservation area and the setting of Richmond Castle and the level of harm to heritage significance will be at the lowest end of less than substantial.”
The proposal is expected to go to North Yorkshire Council’s Richmond planning committee.
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