INGLETON is full of small cottages and we need bigger family homes, Craven District Council's planning committee was told this week as it determined plans for five three, four and five-bed homes and new vehicular access.

The application, on a site off Bentham Road, was recommended for refusal on the grounds there was an over-provision of 4+ bed houses, the development failed to address target housing mix and density (officers suggested eight homes was the optimum density) and was an 'inefficient use of land'.

The design of the homes had a suburban apperance and did not fit in with the surroundings. The site was also said to have a probability of flooding.

However, ward councillors Cllr David Ireton and Cllr Carl Lis, who is planning chairman, disagreed stating there was an under-provision for this size of home for growing families.

Both stated the land was not a flood risk and that the village itself needed more family homes.

Moving the application Cllr Ireton said four larger homes were passed at the junction of Laundry Lane and they are built and occupied. "They are fantastic houses, filled with families and children. It's good for the economy and the school," he said. "These houses (being discussed) are needed. Ingleton is full of small cottages. It used to be a pit village. We need bigger family homes."

Cllr Lis agreed. "There is no question there is a need for houses of this size. There is no doubt in my mind that this application will suit Ingleton perfectly." 

The site had outline planning permission for 10 houses approved in 2019 under the old Local Plan.

Cllr Robert Heseltine suggested if that development of 10 homes had been built it would be 'somewhat cramped'. "This layout looks quite natural. It's balanced, it respects the trees," he said.

A number of representations had been received which cited concerns including lack of privacy for those living opposite the site, concern for root damage to the trees on site and a need for affordable homes. 

Other concerns suggested bungalows would be preferred to these large homes. Another suggested they would be sold and become holiday lets, offering nothing for local people. There would be an increase in traffic on a 'small, tight road' while another objector said 'emergency vehicles would struggle to get through as would farmers with trailers and various HGVs that have no choice but to use Bentham Road. Residents who have always been able to park their cars on Bentham Road would lose valuable parking places'.

Members voted to approve the applicaiton.