A PLANNED access to a new care facility for adults with complex needs is being criticised by local residents and councillors – despite plans being passed four months ago.
The scheme at Gain Lane Farm in Thornbury sees the partial demolition of farm buildings and alterations to create seven units for adults with specific needs.
Bridge Community Care will create seven units in total between the existing, barns, cart shed and stables along with the creation of a self-contained two storey dwelling which features a small office for staff members.
The original plans did include access from Gain Lane, but this was altered prior to the plans being approved in order to create a buffer between the site and the neighbouring green belt.
This means the access from the site is now to be taken from Sunnybank Avenue instead, which has prompted recent criticism.
A letter from local councillors Andrew and Amanda Carter, seen by the Telegraph & Argus, indicated that they were taking the matter “extremely seriously” and that they agreed with residents concerns about the access road for the development to come out onto Sunnybank Avenue.
“This would appear to have been an alteration to the original planning application, which the Council’s highways department seemed to be requesting.
“Whilst the planning application itself has been passed, the sign-off from planning/highways on the proposed highways access has not yet taken place.
“We have both objected strongly, have spoken to the planning department at some length, and are meeting with highways officers.
“Obviously the hope is to get this changed, but if this is not possible then we would want proper safeguards in place, particularly for residents affected, but also highways measured.”
However, a Leeds City Council spokesperson said that the developer is entitled to proceed with the proposals as approved.
“Detailed plans such as landscaping and proposed vehicular access to the site from Sunnybank Avenue were submitted, as required by conditions of the approval, they were agreed. Subsequently, the developer can proceed with the access proposals and relocation of the telegraph post. Any changes to the approved plans / layout would need to come from the developer and be submitted via a Section 73 amendment application, or a full new application.
“Leeds City Council highways department and planning department carefully considered the issues of the access location and its impacts at the application stage. The proposed access route from Sunny Bank Avenue rather than Gain Lane allows for creating a woodland planted buffer to the north-eastern side of the site which will screen the development from the greenbelt beyond, thus preserving its openness and character.”
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