Villagers' fight against cottages far from over
VILLAGERS opposing a controversial planning application look set to have a further fight on their hands.
After permission for his two cottages in Bishop Thornton was unanimously refused by planners this week, it seemed likely John Soroka would have to tear them down.
But he has now vowed to appeal against the decision, branding it a "disgrace".
Although he had planning permission for two cottages in Colber Lane, Mr Soroka had to apply for retrospective permission after they were built differently from the original plans.
Speaking to Harrogate Borough Council's planning committee on Tuesday, he said: "Through the process of building, we discovered that through no fault of our own a charge had been placed on my father-in-law's cottage.
"Half way through the process I reapplied and said could I move house one to the right. Unfortunately, and this was our fault and we apologise, the cottage was moved too far to the right. It was discovered too late. We immediately went to our legal people and said it's ridiculous and they agreed, but said because the charge is six years old we can't appeal."
Mr Soroka asked the committee for the case to be put back to allow him time to resolve the issues in the report, which recommended refusing planning permission. He said he had been on holiday and unable to meet with highways officials to look at visibility on the main road, which bends as it passes the cottages.
Other issues raised in planning officer Andrew Hough's report included the reduction in parking spaces - from two for each property to one - and the raised height of the buildings. During discussions, other concerns including the size of windows and construction materials used were raised by councillors and representatives of the village, who spoke out against the development.
Richard Hughes, deputy chairman of Bishop Thornton with Warsill Parish Council, said: "It was clear there was considerable hostility, ill feeling and anger about this application within the village. The fear is that if this scheme were approved it would set a very serious precedent for future applications."
Speaking on behalf of residents, Ian Gant added: "We ask again that you act to protect our community by enforcing the existing regulations. you will, by that action, fully support the will of our village as democratically expressed both here and in our petition."
After the meeting, Mr Soroka told the Nidderdale Herald: "It's a village with two schools that needs family homes. The Government have been pushing for family homes. We're going along with that and then we have a group of councillors who go completely against that. We're totally disgusted with the whole process.
"Hopefully the planning inspector will look at the whole process with a clean eye and see the merits.
"I'm just hopeful that we get an honest crack at the whip. I can't see how anybody in their right mind would insist on those two buildings getting pulled down."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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