AROUND 200 people attended a public meeting in Embsay to raise concerns and voice their anger about proposals which could mean up to 120 new homes being built in the village.

There was standing room only in the village hall following the publication in April of suggested new housing sites up to 2040 by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

The meeting followed the submission of strong objections to the proposed two new sites by Embsay Parish Council to the national park authority, which is currently consulting on a proposed 33 sites, totalling 600 across the whole park area.

In Embsay, the park authority is suggesting 100 to the north of Brackenley Lane and Dales Avenue; and 19 to the south of 53 Brackenley Lane.The village ,half of which is in the national park, has already seen 91 new homes built near Shires Lane, which together, the meeting heard, with the proposed new sites, would mean a 28 per cent increase in houses in the village since 2021.

The meeting heard that the largest of the proposed sites was within sight of the long distance route, the Lady Anne’s Way, used by many from Embsay, Skipton and beyond to access the Dales.

A spokesperson for objectors said: "These fields would become new housing significantly impacting views from the path, overlooking many local residences, as well as being visible from popular paths and view spots around Embsay Crag. This is in addition to a smaller site with a proposal of 19 homes on green fields in the village."

Specific concerns included flooding problems, drainage and sewage removal issues.

The spokesperson added: "These have already impacted some residents in the area. Additionally, there were concerns over the reduction of green spaces in the village and it’s environmental and wildlife impact, as well as the impact on the local community and feel of the village which is already growing.

"Significant concern over traffic and access to the new site and risks to younger residents was raised due to increased traffic around the proposed development."

Many at the meeting felt the proposed new homes would not help towards the goals of the park authority to tackle an ageing population, as Embsay is a thriving community with a well attended primary school.

The spokesperson added: "Some felt that such a development would be serving areas such as Skipton, Keighley and beyond and not addressing any needs of Embsay or it’s residents, or meeting many core objectives stated for the Local Plan."

Of the 600 proposed new homes across the 33 sites, the majority are in the national park's largest settlements - Grassington/Threshfield, Embsay, Sedbergh and Hawes.

An objectors group has also been set up in Threshfield, which is looking at a possible 126 new homes plus 73 in neighbouring Grassington. The Threshfield Village Development Concern Group was set up after more than 200 people raised their concerns on Facebook.

A website has also been set up in Embsay informing residents informed of updates: https://www.embsayresidentsactiongroup.com and there is also a Facebook page.

The national park authority consultation closes on May 12 . Visit: https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/park-authority/living-and-working/planning-policy/local-plan-2023-40/consultation-no-6-land-for-housing-development/