AN OUTLINE planning application for 22 new homes at Sutton has been submitted to Craven District Council.

The application by Glusburn farmer, Harry Ingham, is seeking planning permission for a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses on land off Main Street, directly adjacent to the built-up area of Sutton.

A previous plan to build 50 homes in the fields opposite Sutton Cricket Club was rejected by Craven planners in June last year on the grounds it would compromise the 'gap' between Sutton and Eastburn, and it would be a large-scale development beyond the settlement boundary, which would be harmful to the landscape character of the area and the approach to Sutton.

The decision went to the Planning Inspectorate, which dismissed the application on appeal.

In making his decision, government planning inspector Mark Caine said the development would "significantly reduce" the sense of open rurality and separation between Sutton and Eastburn.

"It was a legitimate concern because it would have combined the two villages," said Mik Widdup, the architect who designed the plans for Mr Ingham. "However, this application addresses that concern and creates a more defined boundary to Sutton at Cornmill Walk.

"It would put an end to development at the site as the landowner would be willing to protect the rest of the land from development."

He also said that by building the houses lower down the hill "they shouldn't be as elevated and should have much less impact than the previous scheme".

But objector, Elizabeth Kildunne, who lives at nearby Ravenstone Gardens, said: "I'm very disappointed this has come back so soon, even before the Local Plan is ratified.

"I can see they listened to what the planning inspector said, but this development would still be extremely prominent and would affect the appearance and character of the landscape."

And Sutton ward councillor, Stephen Morrell, who is also Sutton Parish Council chairman, added: "Reducing the number of houses in no way reduces the impact of building houses at that entrance to the village.

"This village has grown by 30 per cent in size because of development during the past 15 years.

"I, personally, will be objecting to it and I believe the strength of people objecting to it will in no way be diminished.

"Sutton, Glusburn and Cross Hills were by far some of the worst areas hit by flooding during the winter, and I'd like to see Craven and North Yorkshire address those issues before any more development takes place."

Mrs Kildunne added: "If planning is agreed in principle, who knows what the next stage is? The thing that concerns me is that with an outline application, nothing is guaranteed."

But Mr Widdup said the current outline application is for a maximum of 22 homes at the site, although the plans could be altered to build fewer, but larger homes.