Key Highlights
- Terra Green Yorkshire’s plan for 50+ houses near Whitby is set to be approved by councillors.
- Despite objections from local residents over various concerns, the proposal has been recommended for approval.
- The development will include a 30% affordable housing allocation and S106 contributions towards traffic regulation order costs.
- A report suggests the proposed development could impact Whitby Group Practice’s capacity by adding approximately 124 people to the area.
Whitby Housing Development on the Verge of Approval
In a decision that has been deferred for some time, councillors in Whitby are set to approve a development plan for more than 50 new homes. Terra Green Yorkshire (TGY) submitted an outline application for dozens of houses south of Mayfield Road in Whitby, a proposal which is poised to be approved at the committee’s next meeting on Thursday, November 13.
Community Concerns and Planning Committee Decision
The plan has faced significant opposition from 52 local residents who raised concerns about various aspects of the development. These included issues such as the scale of affordable housing provision, potential impacts on nearby bed and breakfast establishments due to construction, decreases in property values, increased flood risks, and effects on wildlife and protected species.
However, planners recommended that there was no strong reason for resisting the proposal, stating that “the adverse impacts of granting permission would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.” The council has also proposed several S106 developer contributions, including £2,500 towards traffic regulation order costs, another £2,500 for monitoring travel plans, and £2,522 for biodiversity net gain.
Affordable Housing Allocation and Financial Contributions
A significant aspect of the development is its commitment to providing 30% affordable housing. Of this, 70% will be rented while the remainder will offer low-cost home ownership or shared ownership opportunities. This allocation aims to address local needs for both market and affordable homes in a context where delivery has historically been insufficient.
Additionally, TGY’s agent Annabel Parkinson highlighted that the development would not only deliver necessary housing but also include a substantial section 106 package, which includes financial contributions aimed at improving infrastructure around the site. The council estimates these contributions to be £2,500 for traffic regulation and monitoring travel plans.
Impact on Local Health Services
The development is expected to have implications beyond just housing, as it would add approximately 124 people to the area according to an NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board report. This growth could strain local resources, particularly those at Whitby Group Practice, which currently does not have the capacity to accommodate this population increase.
The council has proposed that TGY should pay £613.77 per dwelling towards supporting Whitby Group Practice’s expansion needs. Moreover, the practice is seeking specific contributions to enhance its capacity by either improving existing facilities or constructing a new health development site.
Conclusion
The upcoming planning committee meeting will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious housing project moves forward as planned. While local opposition has raised valid concerns, the council’s recommendation and the anticipated financial contributions suggest that the benefits of the development may outweigh these issues.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting on November 13 at Scarborough Town Hall at 2pm to voice their opinions and influence the final decision. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing housing needs with community concerns, especially in areas like Whitby where local infrastructure faces increasing pressure from population growth.
