Schemes to build more than three dozen new homes in Skipton have been approved by Craven Council planners.

Seventeen two-bed flats and bungalows for the elderly are to be built on land off Roughhaw Close, despite recommendations being in favour of refusal.

The main areas of objection were that the Council had resolved that the land was described as a green field site and should not be used for housing.

And the former Robert Fells Works on Keighley Road, Skipton has received the go-ahead for redevelopment, after planners were shown amended plans.

Councillors were told that the amended plans to convert the warehouse to form 12 flats and the redevelopment of the remainder of the site for 18 houses were welcomed by the many authorities and people concerned, some of whom had been opposed in the beginning.

In August, plans were turned down after objections were received, largely about the style of dwellings.

Planning officer, Roger France, said that since the first application, many of the issues which had caused concern had been overcome and in fact some of the previous objectors were now actively supporting the scheme.

Members were informed that the layout, design and external treatment of the new houses had been revised and the number of new dwellings had been reduced from 22 to 18. Increased space had also been introduced to separate houses from the nearby fish restaurant and many houses had been redesigned to reduce the roof heights.

The detailed proposals for the conversion of the listed building were unchanged from the previous application as there had been no objections to them.

The plans put before the committee reaffirmed that the alterations were considered to be sympathetic to the special interest of the building and would not significantly harm overall character. Skipton Town Council welcomed the improved sight lines and the reduction to two-storey dwellings on the west side. They also requested that chimneys be included.

Architect, Jim Wales, said he was pleased that the plans had at last been recommended.

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