by Ian Judson
Plans for a 158-property development in Hornsea have been given the green light despite strong opposition among nearby residents.
The proposal by Keepmoat Homes was initially turned down a year ago, but last week the decision was overturned on appeal by an independent planning inspector.
The main issues for the appeal were whether the overall design and number of homes would result in an overdevelopment of the site, as well as whether the lack of affordable housing was justified.
The planning inspector noted objectors’ concerns about the impact that the development would have on local traffic, in particular Westgate, but said this was an existing issue that the council was already aware of, and was not because of the new housing.
The inspector’s report said: “There are points on Westgate in Hornsea where the carriageway is narrow. From driving the route, it seemed sufficient for two cars to pass each other, but it would be difficult if a larger vehicle was in one or both of the lanes.
“Photographic and video evidence was submitted showing vehicles mounting the footways on either side of Westgate (A1035) to allow for vehicles to pass. It is acknowledged that this is illegal and is not condoned in any way. There have been accidents on this road, such as vehicles colliding with front boundary walls.
“It is important to note that Westgate is not near the site, being further away in the town. It is accepted that vehicles from the site would likely use this road, but the degree of additional vehicles generated by the development using Westgate would not discernibly increase traffic numbers from the existing level, based on the evidence before me.
“Furthermore, this is an existing issue, with the council already aware of the situation. This is not an issue that is created by the proposed development, but by the historically narrow street form.”
The inspector also said that the need for more school places was being addressed through planning obligations, but added that there was “no substantive evidence” to demonstrate that Hornsea did not otherwise have a sufficient level of shops and services to support the new development.
However, one resident whose house is close to the proposed site said they did not think the planners had listened to their concerns, saying: “There is no detail about the boundary in the plans, the whole development is badly designed and the field where it is going floods a lot.
“It was originally earmarked for 182 properties, which was subsequently reduced to 170, before becoming 148 properties, so why are they allowing 158 there?
“There are only six bungalows and only 21 garages in 158 properties, not to mention the threat of flooding for houses across the road which are lower down.
“There is also the wildlife to consider – there is clear evidence of great crested newts on the site, but that hasn’t been taken into consideration because apparently there is only DNA there.
“Hornsea was in line for 660 new properties for its housing quota – this development will take it above 700 and another one across the road will make it more than 800.”
A spokesman for East Riding Council said: “The council acknowledges the decision of the independent planning inspector to approve the appeal by Keepmoat Homes for the construction of 158 homes on an allocated housing site in Hornsea.
“In allowing the appeal, the inspector has required contributions from the developer towards local infrastructure, including £260,000 towards new or improved educational facilities and £195,000 towards new or improved outdoor sports facilities.”
Daniel Crew, regional managing director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “We’re pleased to have received planning permission to create 158 modern new homes in Hornsea.
“We’ve worked closely with East Riding Council to ensure the new plans support the vision outlined in its local plan.
“We understand residents’ concern around potential flooding due to seeing surface water on the fields nearby – however, this was due to lack of irrigation, not a water source. The site has been assessed as a Level 1 flood risk, indicating a minimal risk, by the local flood authority.
“Keepmoat is also contributing more than £455,000 to East Riding Council to support the completion of relevant upgrades to local infrastructure to benefit existing and new residents in Hornsea.
“This significant financial support will be used to unlock additional school places, upgrade existing facilities and create new spaces for incoming residents. It will also enhance outdoor sports provisions in the area, encouraging local residents to enjoy green spaces and recreational activities.”