'New homes could reduce our quality of life'

A proposed development of nearly 100 new homes in a North Yorkshire village could "reduce the quality of life for current and future residents," according to a parish council.

North Yorkshire Council will discuss the plans for 98 homes on land off Topcliffe Road, Dishforth, between Ripon and Thirsk, next month.

A report recommends planning permission is granted for the scheme, arguing that a severe shortage of housing land outweighs the 130 objections raised to the scheme.

But in its response, Dishforth Parish Council questioned whether existing infrastructure, which was "already under considerable strain", could cope with extra housing.

"Without corresponding enhancements to these services, the proposed development risks exacerbating existing pressures and reducing the quality of life for current and future residents," it said.

Other concerns include road safety, flooding, lack of public transport and the impact on the character of the village, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Dishforth Residents Group submitted an objection, stating that the village had already grown from 200 to 350 homes within seven years.

But planning officers said there was a "tilted balance" in favour of development, to meet the government's required five-year housing targets.

Their report said Dishforth was classed as a "service village" where new housing was considered sustainable in principle.

Although officers acknowledged the scheme could cause "major-moderate adverse" visual harm to the landscape initially, they said the development would not be disproportionate when viewed against the size and role of the village.

Forty per cent of the new homes would be affordable housing, the application stated, with provision for a possible village shop, a play area and biodiversity improvements that exceed the legal minimum requirements.

The county's highways officers and National Highways have raised no objections, subject to conditions and developer contributions towards bus service improvements.

The report concluded that "the planning harms outlined would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the identified benefits".

Councillors will make a decision on the proposal at a planning meeting on 2 June.

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