Villagers’ fury over signs ‘theft’

David Collett, chair of the Parish Council said the parish council decided to put up signs opposing the proposed 64 house estate at Brookfield as they believe it reflects the opinion of the village.

He said: “We put signs up to let people know how we feel about the plans, we put some on private land and some on public land but they have been removed.

“We have spoken to the council who say they didn’t remove them so we reported it to the police.”

Developer David Wilson homes applied for permission to build the 64 houses in the village, which currently has around 400 homes, in June.

David Wilson homes’ design and access statement states: “Our intention is to deliver a secure and sustainable development of modern family homes and community uses in a safe, green and welcoming environment.”

Mr Collett said that around 90 per cent village oppose the plans and 200 residents have signed a petition.

Linda Potter, chair of the Harrogate district branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: “Local voices should be heard and taken into account in light of localism.

“This is a greenfield site and valuable agricultural land which should be preserved for the benefit and to meet the needs of future generations for food production. Brownfield Sites are available in the district.”