Comment

Representation ID: 24892

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: CEG Land Promotions Ltd

Agent: Lichfields

CEG are surprised that land at Scalebor House, Moor Lane is proposed as a preferred housing allocation under Policy SP5, site reference BU2/H and identified as having the potential to deliver 110 houses over the plan period.

The conclusions reached in identifying the site as a preferred allocation are wholly contrary to the position agreed with CBMDC in the consideration of this site as part of the evidence to the call-in Inquiry into the proposals by CEG at Sun Lane/Ilkley Road.

The Alternative Site Assessment (2016) and Updated Alternative Site Assessment (April 2019), as agreed in full by CBMDC (and thus the Council's position to the Inspector and Secretary of State), concluded the following in respect of the Scalebor site:
1 The site is unsuitable in Green Belt terms on the basis that it breaches the railway line, which provides a strong and defensible boundary to Burley-in-Wharfedale, and would conflict with the purposes of including land within it by creating sprawl and encroachment into the countryside.
2 The site is unsuitable in highways terms on the basis that no suitable access can be delivered due to the private status of Highlands access road, poor visibility along Moor Lane, and a lack of viable alternative access options.
3 That the site is undeliverable on the basis that the site is subject to a restrictive covenant, imposed by the Secretary of State, preventing use of the land in question for anything other than grazing land. The restrictive covenant can only be lifted with the consent of numerous and multiple landowners, being the Secretary of State and multiple residents of the
neighbouring Scalebor Park development.