Wetherby Civic Society urges council to pause decision on 210 new homes in long-running controversy

Wetherby Civic Society is urging North Yorkshire councillors to defer a decision on controversial plans for up to 210 homes near Wetherby.

The respected civic group claims it has identified “contradictions and omissions” in the officers’ report in advance of next Tuesday’s North Yorkshire Council Strategic Planning Committee meeting recommending approval of the housing development at Harrogate Road.

Located immediately beside the 325-home Spofforth Park estate, the site lies in North Yorkshire but Wetherby Civic Society says residents would rely heavily on roads, schools, GP surgeries and other services in Wetherby.

Wetherby Civic Society has submitted a detailed 15-point request the council defers a decision in this long-running saga.

It says the report "reaches opposing conclusions on the loss of high-quality agricultural land”: to wit paragraph 10.28 says the scheme accords with Policy NE8, while paragraph 11.4 says it conflicts with the same policy.

The civic group also questions why the report states a 2.2-year housing land supply when the figures printed in it appear to produce 2.8 years.

Other concerns include a “speed camera” listed among the benefits although one is not secured by the proposed conditions, and the absence of an NHS capacity assessment or healthcare contribution.

Peter Catton, Chair of Wetherby Civic Society, said: “The contradictions and omissions within the officers’ report and the planning application, such as Yorkshire Water’s refusal to allow surface water to enter the sewers but there being no details of where and how it is to be drained, are breathtaking.

"The committee has no choice other than to remit the application for these to be corrected or to refuse the application.”

The Strategic Planning Committee will meet at 10am on Tuesday, August 11, at County Hall in Northallerton.

Officers recommend approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

Malcolm Gardner, Vice-Chair of Wetherby Civic Society, said: “We are not asking councillors to reject these new homes.

"We are asking them not to make a decision this important on a report that contradicts itself.

"North Yorkshire would count the houses, while Wetherby would absorb much of the pressure on roads, schools and doctors.”