Residents are being urged to voice their views about a proposed new housing development that will have a 'significant and lasting impact' on Helmsley.
A public meeting is being held next week, organised by North Yorkshire Councillor George Jabbour, regarding the planning application, following concerns raised over the proposals.
The planning application has been submitted by Northminster Land Ltd for permission for up to 50 homes, alongside mixed-use development for commercial, industrial and storage operations on land south of Riccal Drive.
So far over 70 people have objected to the application with a campaign group - Riccal Drive Residents' Group - set up to oppose the plans.
Helmsley Town Council has also objected to the plans raising concerns about the mix of residential and industrial.
Cllr George Jabbour, who represents Helmsley, said: “Many residents have raised concerns with me about the new planning application for 50 dwellings and mixed-use development in Helmsley.
“This is a major project that will have a significant and lasting impact on Helmsley.
“As a result, I have spoken with Helmsley Town Council and with the applicant and their agents to provide an opportunity for local people to voice their opinions.
“To achieve this, I am organising a public meeting on Wednesday,May, 31 at 6pm at the North York Moors National Park Committee Room. The agents of the applicant will be attending the meeting and listening to the residents. I urge anyone who has any views about this planning application to attend this public meeting.
“Furthermore, prior to the public meeting and on the same day and at the same venue, there will be an exhibition from 3pm to 6pm that is organised by the applicant and their agents to show the plans of this application.”
Nicholas Clarry, a member of Riccal Drive Residents' Group, said: "It is impossible not to be cynical about this belated "consultation", which is only happening because of pressure from the community. We should have been consulted before the proposals went in, not a few weeks before the planning committee is due to decide on it. The application is based on flawed and inaccurate reports, and on assumptions about the need for more residential and commercial development in Helmsley that are woefully out of date. The people of Helmsley are outraged at the potential loss of a valuable greenfield site that forms part of our precious landscape- and I very much hope that North Yorkshire Council will throw this application out."
Members of Helmsley Town Council have asked that if the application is approved that North Yorkshire Council and the landowner stipulate ‘local’ allocation for social housing and a covenant in place to prevent houses being used or sold as second or holiday homes.
The council added: "We would also ask that North Yorkshire Council directs CIL funding to Helmsley as there is a lack of evidence showing that Helmsley has received any CIL funding from Ryedale District Council for Helmsley’s infrastructure despite the recent Ryemoor development."
The application can be viewed at https://planningregister.ryedale.gov.uk/caonline-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=RNWN11NO09700)
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