PROPERTY giant Tay Homes has been refused planning permission to build more than 30 homes in Kirkbymoorside.

More than 20 Kirkbymoorside residents who opposed the scheme attended a meeting of Ryedale District Council's northern area planning committee to watch as councillors vote unanimously to reject the scheme.

After discussions with planning officers, Tay Homes made some alterations from the original plan regarding parking provision, but refused to reduce the density of the homes, the height of the proposed three-storey flats, or to change the proposed materials.

Town councillor Sheila Ridley spoke at last night's meeting on behalf of the town council and residents. She said that although she was pleased to see changes in the parking plans, she was disappointed that Tay Homes had done little about concerns over density, materials to be used and affordable housing.

She said: "Every encouragement has been given to the applicant to redesign the proposal to overcome legitimate concerns. They have ignored most of these concerns."

Coun Gary Hobbs, who represents Kirkbymoorside on Ryedale council, moved that the application be refused, citing high density, design and lack of affordable housing as the main problems.

Updated: 11:36 Tuesday, August 07, 2001