OUTRAGE has greeted a planning inspector's decision to allow 27 new detached homes to be built at Skipton's Overdale Trailer Park.

Craven District Council had refused permission for the controversial development, which included a new access onto the Embsay road

But the applicants, Bryant Homes, appealed against that decision, the planning inspector coming down on their side.

"It's a very sad day for this town," said Coun Janet Gott, chairman of Craven Council's planning committee, which met on Monday.

"Someone from away is inflicting something on this town that we didn't want, we felt was dangerous and they have taken no cognizance of that. I think it's disgusting!"

She added: "The houses will be of no benefit to Skipton. Outsiders will buy them."

The application covers the touring vans part of the Overdale site, and the Herald believes that tenants have already been given notice to quit their pitches.

The new up-market houses on the four acre site attracted opposition when they were first mooted last year from people who feared the access would be dangerous.

However, the highways authority was satisfied with the new road, but Craven District Council felt it would be intrusive and result in undesirable change in the character and appearance of the surrounding area. Members felt it would detract from the attractiveness of one of the main approaches to Skipton's historic centre.

There were also objections from those with holiday pitches on the trailer park who would be directly affected.

Coun Gott added: "I shall be waiting for the first accident because there will be one. What a scar on the landscape it will be."

Inspector MJ Croft reported: "I do not see the highway status of Skipton Road as comparable with several other major roads focusing on Skipton.

"I do not believe that the proposed break in the roadside banking would be out of place in this quite hilly, edge-of-town location.

"I understand the concerns of those who would have to cease occupation of the trailer park, but I am not satisfied that the need for caravans or mobile homes is sufficiently greater than the need for permanent homes."

A spokesman for Bryant Homes told the Herald that the company was hoping to start selling the houses in September with the welcome centre and show home expected to open in the autumn.

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