Planners agree new St John headquarters

The plans, which were approved by Craven District Council's planning committee, include the demolition of the old hall and the building of a terrace of eight, two-bedroomed houses in its place.

The new hall is to be erected on the little-used garden plots and will be used for training and community use.

A new access road is also to be created off Shortbank Road.

However, several letters of objection had been received by the council outlining the danger a new access road off Shortbank Road would create to pedestrians and other road users.

Others were concerned about the loss of the garden plots and green open space.

Planning officer Roger France pointed out that the highways authority endorsed the proposals.

It had carried out a recent radar speed survey which indicated that traffic speeds were contained within 30mph, visibility was to current standards and the access for the St John headquarters would be much improved.

But not everyone agreed with him saying the radar test would give different indications if installed at 9am when it was very busy along the road. Coun Janet Gott even described the road as "deadly".

Skipton Town Council was concerned about the loss of allotment and garage spaces which could lead to more on-street parking.

However, the committee was told that many of the garages were not used and the allotments were tended by only one elderly gentleman.

Overall it was felt that the old ambulance hall was not of any special architectural or historical merit and the plans would greatly improve the site. The area was to be landscaped to retain some of the greenery.

Conditions attached to approval include prior agreement of landscaping, approval of external materials and no occupation of the buildings until access and parking arrangements have been completed.

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