Former 167-year-old Craven school to be turned into housing
It's the former Richard Thornton’s School in Burton-in-Lonsdale
Last updated 29th Sep 2021
A decision on plans to build 11 homes at the former Richard Thornton’s School in Burton-in-Lonsdale has been delayed.
The proposals from Permahome Ltd were recommended for approval at a Craven District Council meeting on Monday but councillors voted for deferral after concerns were raised over drainage and access to the site via a single track road.
Independent councillor Richard Pringle said he believed the plans would make “a great scheme one day” but added “there is an awful lot that is unresolved”.
“We are putting the cart before the horse by trying to do anything today,” he said.
“The Highways authority is still not happy and the flooding people are still not happy.
“Time and time again we have been asked on this committee to pass plans when the flooding people have said ‘don’t determine it, we haven’t got enough information’ – and that is exactly what is happening today.
“We haven’t had a chance to do this application justice by looking at any overlooking issues.”
Highways and flooding officials at North Yorkshire County Council both objected to the application on the grounds that Permahome Ltd does not own a single track road which would form the access to the site.
According to documents, the developer had indicated it was willing to enter into a legal agreement for the road to be maintained by a private management company, however, no agreement had been reached.
The plans include a mix of two and three bedroom properties, and would involve the demolition of some former school buildings.
The primary school opened in 1854 and closed its doors in 2014 after pupil numbers dwindled to just 13 in its final years.
Ian Thompson, chairman of Burton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council, said the housing plans were welcomed by residents who signalled their “strong support” for the scheme during a village survey held in 2018.
However, he added a number of areas, also including the impact on the village’s water supply, still needed addressing.
He said: “A number of residents expressed concerns to the parish council when it considered the application.
“We were most concerned about the additional effluent which will be generated by this number of houses in an area of the village which is not served by a mains sewer.
“Our original consultee response also questioned whether the village water supply will be able to satisfy these additional properties. This does not seem to have been addressed.”
Councillors voted for deferral by eight votes for and one against. They will now arrange a site visit before a final decision is made.