Police called to hedgerow dispute in Great Smeaton

Permission was granted to build five houses beside the A167 in Great Smeaton, near Northallerton, in 2022, but objectors remain critical of the development.

North Yorkshire Council is now investigating alleged planning breaches at the site, thought to be in relation to the removal of a section of hedgerow.

The dispute saw police attend the scene last Friday, but developers Palladian Homes insist the work is "fully compliant" with planning approval and conditions.
 

Police in Great Smeaton (Image: UGC) A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called to the location at 12.46pm on Friday (March 7) regarding a complaint about a protected hedge being removed by builders.

"It was confirmed that it was a partial removal that had been approved by the council.

"No further police action was required."

North Yorkshire Council confirmed yesterday that it is investigating the issue. Trevor Watson , assistant director of planning, said: “We are currently investigating alleged breaches of planning control at the site in Great Smeaton. As this is a live investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

Dr Andrew Marriott, an archaeologist and former soldier, has campaigned against development and claimed a "substantial section of ancient hedgerow" was removed, contravening conditions set when planning permission was granted by the former Hambleton District Council.

"It appears that the hedge removal was to provide safe visibility for vehicles leaving the site," he said. "The proposed site entrance could never have met the conditions set without causing unacceptable environmental and ecological harm, and this was repeatedly drawn to the council's attention."

Police officers in Great Smeaton (Image: UGC) He added: "This has caused a great deal of upset among residents. Me and other residents are up in arms about the whole development and the handling of it."

In response, Palladian Homes has said that all the work carried out has planning permission and is in compliance with every condition imposed.

A spokesperson for the developer said: "We are simply trying to get on with the scheme in a compliant manner, but they don’t like any prospect of new housing, even though all our homes are of high quality.

"If they are simply regarding the ongoing traffic control works for essential sewer work (ending this week) or some recent hedge removal affronting the development (for road safety reasons), these are all approved works in full accordance with the planning authority approvals and instructions.

"Whilst they may be frustrating to the residents, they are essential and very short term in nature.

"If the residents have genuine issues, they need to contact the local authority as the correct channel for communication."