The controversial plan for one of the biggest housing developments ever seen in a North Yorkshire district are all set to be approved despite concerns by residents. The Sowerby Gateway project has had opposition from the day plans for more than 900 homes being built were unveiled.
Planning officers at Hambleton District Council have recommended that the scheme should be approved when the planning committee meet later this week despite Sowerby Parish Council and Thirsk Town Council both raising a number of objections over whether the transport infrastructure will be able to cope with the increased number of vehicles. Opponents have also voiced their worries over the number of school places that will be needed for the hundreds of children the development will be bringing in. Council leader Neville Huxtable is maintaining that the development is vital to stop the lack of affordable housing reaching crisis point in the coming years.
Councillor Huxtable said: “We as a council are fully aware of the opposition the proposals have generated, but I want to stress there will be a full and frank debate before any decision is reached. The planning meeting will be held in public and there will be an opportunity for all sides to express their views. The development is of huge importance to the Hambleton district, and we are committed to making sure that the right decision is reached.”
The Sowerby Gateway development will provide 920 homes with 40% being affordable. At least 20% will attract landlord insurance cover as the council intend them to be given to people at the top of the councils housing waiting list, but it is anticipated property investors will buy up some of the remaining homes as well. The developers will undertake major highway improvements and have promised that work will be completed within six months of the first home being occupied. The housing development is thought to be key to addressing the critical lack of affordable homes in the area.