News Council reassured over plans
"Very professional people going about a very large development" is how Howden Town Councillors described the planning consultants for the intended development of 500 houses on land north of Minster Park.
George Wright and Jennifer Hubbard, planning consultants for the landowners and developers, explained to councillors at a recent meeting that they were acting jointly and had agreed a collective approach to the development of the land.
Mr Wright explained that the initial phase for the preparation of the development involved widespread research covering physical, environmental, social, economical and political issues.
This will then lead to the development of 'context statements', which will highlight the constraints of the site as well as opportunities in relation to green and public space, development needs and the political context.
Eventually, this will lead to targeted public consultation with community groups, including the Town Council, the Civic Society and other community representatives.
It was also pointed out at the meeting that 40 per cent of the housing on the development, which is to be split between Hovedene Builders and Barratts, will be 'affordable' housing, in line with East Riding of Yorkshire Council requirements. It is not intended that the development will be a base for commuters.
The planners will be looking at land drainage including ground permeability, sustainability, the disposal of surface water and other related issues. Public open space and recreational space will also be considered, with some input from Sport England.
It was stated that the biodiversity of the site needed to be improved, which included early planting to improve the quality of hedges and tree cover.
Transport and traffic issues, including the need for direct cycle and walking routes, bus services and access to the railway station, are all issues which still need to be considered.
The planning consultants have also ensured that heritage issues will not be overlooked, with a highly-regarded 'heritage consultant' who has long-standing connections with Howden and the Minster, appointed to oversee the plans.
Cllr Ingrid Ridley said: "I was really reassured after the meeting about how much we would be consulted with and how much the town would be consulted.
"We are not happy that there are going to be 500 houses but I think if we are going to do it then this is the way to do it."
Published on 28th December 2007 in News.
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