Plans to build a huge housing estate in the north of York have provoked a barrage of criticism.
Altogether 114 objections have been lodged against a project to build 800 homes on an 81 acre site in Haxby.
The development is proposed by Barratt, David Wilson Homes and Vistry Homes. The site is east of Moor Lane and west of Usher Lane, and backs onto the gardens of Oaken Grove, Cyprus Grove, Ash Lane, Lowfield Drive and Crooklands Lane.
The land is currently designated as green belt, has been selected for development in York’s emerging Local Plan.
They say the main aspects of the development are:
- Up to 800 new homes in a mix of 1,2,3 and 4-bedroom properties
- Affordable homes, including shared ownership and affordable rent
- Main vehicle access’ from Usher Lane and Moor Lane
- Options for a new community sports and recreation area, landscaping and new accessible green space
- A financial contribution for community priorities (education, health services etc)
- New walking and recreational routes through and within the site
- A green buffer separating the development from homes to the south of the site.
But the big development has prompted lots of opposition.
Here are just some of the objections now lodged with City of York Council.
“I can’t imagine what York council are thinking about by considering this proposal to build the enormous figure of 800 new houses to the north of Haxby. Not 8 or 80, which is a high number, but 800!! Is this a deliberate ploy to destroy the look, feel and character of the area we live in, what else can it be?”
“The fields to the north of Haxby contain significant wildlife – birds, bats, deer, badgers and foxes to names a few, but also provide a green space for residents to enjoy and walk dogs around. Given the town already has a low amount of green space / park space for the number of residents, this is a significant loss with no evidence on plans of suitable purposeful space to compensate”
“One of the things that really worries me is the lack of space around the cemetery for extending this as and when necessary”
“This should only be allowed if there is 100% guaranteed provision for extra schools and medical services. The GP surgery in Haxby and Wigginton cannot cope with the current population without an increase of 800. There is currently a 10 week wait for a routine GP appointment and the local schools are already stretched”
“This is the most ridiculous proposal anyone could imagine. Apart from the fact part is on precious green belt there is no way Haxby can accommodate ANY more housing. Oaken Grove school was demolished years ago. Where will the children be educated? Haxby Health Centre is on its knees”
“It’s not just the additional calls that these houses will create but additional traffic on the ring road will further delay response times. The zebra crossings in the village outside Wigginton Stores and the GP practice are notoriously bad with drivers failing to stop- it’s a matter of time before someone, likely a child, is killed.”
“Nowhere on the plan has any thought been given as to how traffic from Usher Lane will get onto Station Road, or how traffic from Moor Lane will get onto the busy main road through Haxby and Wigginton. The extra traffic would add to the current queues on York Road and Wigginton Road as commuters try to access the ring road”
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