Liberal Democrats are launching a petition against proposals by Pilcher Homes to build 100 houses on green belt land to the north of Avon Drive in Huntington.

Use of the land for housing has twice before been rejected by City of York Council planning officers. One of the reasons given was that the land would be needed if the ring-road is dualled in the future. Concerns were also raised about air quality and noise, given its proximity to the A1237 as well as access to local schools. Officers concluded that the site was “unsuitable for residential development” and it was not included in the council’s Draft Local Plan.

However, local residents received a leaflet this week from Pilcher Homes outlining their plans to build 100 houses on the site. Local residents have since contacted Lib Dem councillors and campaigners with their concerns. There has also been some confusion as according to details on the Pilcher Homes website the development would be for 150 (not 100) houses.

Local Campaigner Chris Cullwick commented: 

“It is important that Pilcher Homes know the strength of feeling about this proposal. This is why we have launched a petition. The site has twice been rejected for housing before and the current proposals should be rejected again.

“Residents across Huntington and New Earswick have already objected to the Labour proposals to build 2,000 houses in our area. This is wrong for Huntington and wrong for York.”

Cllr Keith Orrell, Lib Dem Councillor for Huntington and New Earswick, commented:

“It is wrong that developers blight people’s lives by putting forward plans for land that has not been allocated under the Draft Local Plan. We have been contacted by residents who are deeply concerned by these proposals.

“There are currently two housing developments being built on brownfield land in Huntington. That is the right way to build much-needed houses rather than building on green belt sites.”

The development is mentioned on the Pilcher Group’s website here: http://www.pilchergroup.com/residential/new-homes/future-developments

You can sign the petition here: http://yorklibdems.org.uk/avondrive