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24
Jan 2024
Concerns over ‘inadequate’ plans to demolish Spofforth buildings
Several Spofforth residents and parish councillors have raised concerns about a recently submitted planning application.
The application to North Yorkshire Council in December outlines plans to demolish three agricultural buildings at Low Lane Farm, on Spofforth High Street, which falls into the Spofforth Conservation Area.
Submitted by Emery Planning on behalf the applicant, the plans said the buildings were “structurally unsound” and “in need of demolition in order to maintain public safety”.
Structural engineering firm Krypton Structure, which provided a supporting letter as part of the application, also “strongly recommended urgent demolition”, adding:
However, some Spofforth locals and parish councillors have opposed the plans. They also want to know what will replace the buildings if the scheme is approved.
The parish council said in its consultation comment to the council it would be “unacceptable” to remove a “period feature in the centre of the conservation area”. It added:
Demolition would leave a ‘gaping hole’
Ten residents have submitted objections as part of the council's public consultation.
David Moor is among those unhappy about the uncertain future of the site. He said:
John Plummer, another objecting resident, commented:
Sixth time lucky?
Several public comments also refer to five previous planning applications relating to the same buildings over the last four years.
One resident, Phillip South, recounted the applications in his objection to the current proposal. He said:
The Stray Ferret contacted Emery Planning to ask what the applicant intended to do with the site if it were demolished. An agent at the firm responded:
North Yorkshire Council will adjudicate on the plans at a later date.
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