Public to have say on Kirkbymoorside’s expansion (From York Press)

Public to have say on Kirkbymoorside’s expansion

12:26pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in Ryedale news

Kirkbymoorside could get 260 new homes if a plan by Gladman Developments Ltd for land at Westfields

Kirkbymoorside Town Council is to hold a special meeting to discuss the controversial plan to build 260 new homes in the market town.

At its monthly meeting on Monday the public were urged to put forward their views to Ryedale District Council which will decide the scheme planned by Gladman Developments Ltd for land at Westfields.

Coun Judy Watson said the key concerns were the impact on the town, building on agricultural land, increase in traffic, possible flooding and transport.

She said that it was felt “a bulldozer approach” was being used, adding: “A lot of people are unhappy about the plan.”

The mayor, Coun Chris Dowie, said that brownfield sites should be used for housing development.

The public would be allowed to speak at the council’s special meeting due to be held on Monday, August 6 at Church House.

County Coun Val Arnold vowed to support Kirkbymoorside's residents.

She said: “I agree with the concerns as, it seems, does most of the town. I will support them.”

One resident said it was important that the town had employment provided before housing, not the other way round, as Gladman had indicated.

The council heard that Kirkbymoorside is earmarked to get 300 new homes during the next 15 years, and Coun Joe Coughlan said that approval had already been given for 97 on various sites.

Coun Martin Brampton believed that the most people against the scheme were those who would be living nearest to it.

Coun Sarah Ward said: “Kirkbymoorside has got to grow but it needs to be incremental growth with employment and transport facilities. This development won't achieve that.”

A questionnaire is being produced to be sent to householders to ascertain what type of housing is needed in the town.