Plan for 150 new homes in York village – but residents fear impact on schools and transport
A plan has been submitted to build 150 new homes in a popular village south of York.
David Wilson Homes wants to build the estate on farming land at Wheldrake.
It would incorporate a mix of houses for sale or rent, ranging from two to five-bedroom homes.
A new loop road would be created to grant access to the estate, and a green play area is part of the plan.
The architects say: “The design and siting of the proposed dwellings is reflective of the grain, scale and character of the surrounding residential area, in the interest of visual amenity and creating an appropriate sustainable ‘sense of place’.”
The development is planned for land to the east of the Millfield Industrial Estate on Wheldrake’s Main Street.
Village ‘can’t cope’
Villagers have lodged objections to the scheme. One said: “It is totally out of keeping for a relatively small village and land that is green belt.
“The village is already developed beyond the capacity that its infrastructure is able to cope. The school, roads and sewage system are not fit for current purpose, let alone another development of 150 dwellings.”
Another pointed out that the restricted number of bus services, which end at 6pm Monday-Thursday, would lead to many more car movements in and out of the village.
And schools were a concern. One resident wrote: “The local primary school is fully subscribed most of the time. Families moving to the village recently have had to send their children to Escrick, entailing a round trip of seven miles (by car) twice a day – not very eco friendly!
“Are the developers willing to fund extra school buildings and ongoing teacher costs? I suspect not.
“Secondary school capacity: Fulford School is the nearest school and Wheldrake is in the catchment area.
“This would be the third of recent large developments in the catchment area (655
homes at Germany Beck in Fulford, 83 new homes approved at Dunnington).
“This development would bring the total of new homes in the catchment area to nearly 900, having a massive impact on capacity at Fulford School, in all likelihood leading to Wheldrake parents having to send their children further afield.”
You can see all the plans for the site here.