Planners set to approve 53 ‘affordable’ homes in Romanby

The location of the proposed housing scheme. Photo: Google.

Controversial plans for 53 new houses which will be classed as ‘affordable’ are set to be approved.

Mulberry Homes wants to build the properties on fields off Ainderby Road, in Romanby, Northallerton.

The developer’s application will be considered by North Yorkshire Council councillors on Thursday next week.

The proposals would include a mixture of house types and sizes, including single bed properties, two and three bed
houses as well as four bed family properties.

Two and three bed bungalows are included alongside two-storey detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.

The proposed development is outside of the area permitted for development in Romanby, with the only housing considered being affordable homes.

The plans have angered local residents with 67 people contacting the council to object.

Their concerns include the fact the site is outside of the development limits on the local plan for the area.

Residents also raised concerns that the local infrastructure, including the sewer system, schools , dentists and
health services, were already at capacity and would struggle to cope with the additional houses.

In its response Romanby Parish Council said it objected to any development on the fields.

It added: “The land in question is not, and never has been, allocated for any form of development in the current Hambleton District Council Local Development Framework (LDF), which is still in force.

“In addition, the land is not included in the new Hambleton District Council Local Plan.

“We have been closely involved in the consultation work for the new Local Plan, which clearly articulates that there is ample housing stock planned and allocated for the years ahead (out to 2035) in the Northallerton/Romanby area, without any further new builds being necessary.”

The parish council said it had consulted with residents the proposal, with 94 per cent of responses against any development of the land.

Despite the concerns, the scheme is recommended for approval.

The report for councillors concludes: “It is considered that the provision of affordable housing, along with the provision of eight single bed units, are material considerations that should be given considerable weight in the planning balance because the proposed development would help to address affordability issues in the housing market
as well as a perceived under-delivery of affordable housing within the plan area.

“These material considerations, and the substantial weight afforded to them, would further justify approving the application.”

 

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