MORE than 160 people have objected to plans to knock down a bungalow in Farnhill, and replace it with three, family sized homes.

Objectors to the proposed site in Starkey Lane, say they are not against development, but believe their concerns have not been taken into account - while the applicant says he has responded to concerns and describes objections as an ‘orchestrated campaign’.

The application to Craven District Council seeks permission to demolish the currently empty Fairmount, and to build three four bedroom homes, with parking.

Objectors, including Kildwick Parish Meeting, which describes the application as ‘damaging’, say the new properties will be overbearing and will add nothing to the conservation area.

Martyn Basierak, for objectors, said: “We are really disappointed that the developer has not taken seriously our concerns that their proposal will be overbearing for the small bungalow plot, for neighbouring properties and add no value to the local conservation area.

“We view the changes quite cynically – very minor changes that enable the developer to say that they’ve listened to our concerns and acted. We are not at all against development, but it just needs to be proportionate to the plot and be in harmony with local neighbours and conservation area. We think three, three storey, four bedroom town houses is far from meeting this.”

Ward councillor, Andy Brown, added: “The scheme in its current form is totally over the top. Squeezing three large houses into the space previously occupied by one inevitably leads to problems for the neighbours. The properties are so tall that they look down on other residents from close distances. This is a very steep narrow road with limited space and the developer needs a serious rethink about what it is reasonable to put onto this site.”

But Elliott Exley, applicant and owner of the bungalow, said the self build development of three houses - if planning was approved - would be lived in by him and his partner, his parents and a colleague and his family.

He said the properties were of the finest design and would use the best materials to produce some of the ‘finest properties build in recent years’, reflecting their position in the conservation area.

“I do not accept residents concerns have not been taken into consideration as my architect has been in contact with the planning officer throughout and has altered the plans to take concerns into account,” he said.

“Craven District Council are challenged along with all other district councils to approve new house construction to meet growing demand, this type of ‘infill’ development goes some way to reduce the requirement to build on the valuable green belt land.”

He added: “It is clear there has been an orchestrated campaign to generate objections to the plans by a few local residents with objections coming from far and wide including London and west Lancashire.

“I expect the planning committee to see past these and view this legitimate development

on its merit.”