A RESIDENTIAL development of 53 homes north of Airedale Avenue and the proposed demolition of the locomotive building, in Engine Shed Lane, both in Skipton, are up for discussion at next week's planning committee meeting.

The housing site on land to the north of Airedale Avenue is to consist of 16, one, two and three-bed affordable homes and 37, two, three and four-bed market homes.

The application is being lodged on behalf of Craven Barnfield Regeneration Ltd, the district council's joint venture company.

The application first came before the planning committee in October, but was deferred for more information.

At the October meeting, members were told the Council planned to transfer the land into the joint venture company in return for the land value and a share of the profits from the development.

But the application did not garner support from Cllr Robert Heseltine who said he was 'appalled at the thought of a further 400 vehicles using Shortbank Road and nearby residential streets to gain access to the site'.

The triangular shaped parcel of land extends to almost 2.5 hectares. It is located to the south east of Otley Road and forms one half of an allocated site for residential development.

The application, which has been recommended for approval subject to 106 legal agreements and conditions, received 16 letters of representation when first published.

Concerns included loss of visual amenity, an increase in traffic and inadequate vehicular access, a strain on existing infrastructure and a fear the development would add to a current flooding problem under the bridge onto Otley Road.

There were also concerns on an adverse impact on wildlife, pressure on local amenities and services and a fear the development would cause the house price to drop of number 11 Airedale Avenue.

North Yorkshire County Council Highways said it had no objection to the proposal on the grounds of highway safety.

Natural England said it was satisfied that the impacts of the North Pennine Moors conservation and protection areas had been mitigated with measures secured via planning conditions, while the district council's tree officer said the landscaping and tree planting plan was acceptable.

NYCC heritage and archaeological officer suggested a trial trench is dug to see if a geological 'anomaly' in the north east corner was or archaeological significance.

In Engine Shed Lane, Barnfield Construction Ltd hopes to demolish the existing industrial unit for the construction of a council depot building and three light industrial units with associated parking and turning areas.

The plans would create 22 car parking spaces, 32 light goods vehicle parking spaces and spaces for six motorcycles.

There would also be six disabled bays and spaces for 10 bicycles.

The units will measure 37.3m by 13.4m; 29.6m by 19.5m and 32m by 13.4m.

They would include solar panels to the roof slopes and electric charging points.

No representations were received by the district council.

Skipton Town Council also stated it had no objections.

The district council's contamination officer said the site had been identified as a potential risk from the effects of contamination and for this reason suggested conditions are imposed so investigations and reports are done at relevant stages of development.

North Yorkshire County Council Highways concluded that the impact on the road network would reduce as a result of the development and is expected to generate 149 fewer vehicle movements across the working day and result in fewer traffic movements at the junction of Engine Shed Lane and Carleton New Road.,

The application is recommended for approval with conditions.

The planning committee will determine the plans on Monday, March 16.