Anger at plan for homes on flood road

The application to build in Quaker Lane, Northallerton, was refused after members of Hambleton's planning committee voted against it.

Members cited road safety concerns, an unsatisfactory layout, flooding worries and the fact that in their view it would be an over-development of the site as their reasons for refusal.

Northallerton councillor Tony Hall spoke fervently against the plan on behalf of the town council and Quaker Lane residents.

"I cannot recall a more inappropriate application or a more disappointing response from our officers," he said.

"And I really cannot take it seriously that the houses are being made to replicate the terrace across the road - we are living in the 21st Century now."

Coun Hall said he was embarrassed by the traffic report given to town councillors by the county highways department and called for an independent traffic survey.

Over the past months, members of the committee have expressed concern over the findings of the highways department.

Coun June Imeson turned to colleagues during the debate and said: "I have no faith in highways - do you?"

Coun Ralph Andrew said planning was supposed to be about enhancing the area and urged members to reject the application. He also expressed frustration that there was not a Northallerton district councillor on the planning committee.

He said: "This is a very difficult area made more difficult by the fact that Northallerton Town Council does not have a district councillor on this committee. Not one. More than 20 per cent of Hambleton District Councillors live within this area and yet we don't have a member on this committee."

He said nothing had changed since the last time the plan was put before the committee. He said cars still had to back out on to a main road and flooding was a problem that would re-occur.

Coun David Webster said: "This is an over-development of the site. Another 14 houses would make it into a ghetto and I do not support ghettos."