Developers hoping to build up to 800 new homes on the northern edge of Beverley say demand for new housing in the town more than justifies their proposal.
The consortium behind the so-called Longcroft Project also believes there is a need for “all corners of Beverley” to share in the new housing allocation over the next decade or so, including the northern part of the town.
Michael Wright, of North Bar Homes, one of the two lead members of the consortium, says all areas of Beverley should play a part in the provision of the next generation of new homes.
He added: “The consortium has held detailed discussions with land owners that make our proposal for the Longcroft Project a genuine, achievable goal. In addition to acquiring this undeveloped land, we are also hoping the East Riding of Yorkshire Council will work with us so that we can build a much-needed replacement for the very tired Longcroft School.
“We make no secret of the fact that the return from the new housing investment would provide the £25m needed for the new school, enabling us to gift it to the town, but we want to show people that our plan is not solely about improving educational facilities, although that would be an enormous benefit for pupils and parents of the future.
“The Government has already announced that over the next 10 to 15 years, Beverley will have to provide land for 3,200 new homes. If all those properties were built in one particular area we risk creating a huge planning imbalance and pushing thousands of residents further away from the town centre and closer to Kingswood on the northern edge of Hull.
“We know there is a demand for new housing in Beverley but there is clearly not enough space within the town boundaries for significant development. Nor do we agree with some people’s suggestions that a new, mini-town should be built somewhere in the East Riding to cater for this demand.
“Beverley is the East Riding’s commercial hub and the arrival of 800 new homes and around 2,500 more residents will further strengthen the position of local traders and businesses. We anticipate our scheme would generate between £10m and £15m a year additional income to the local economy”.
An application for outline planning consent for the Longcroft Project could be submitted as early as the end of the year. Planners are currently putting the finishing touches to the scheme, which will see investment in a new localised road plan, including a west-north relief road, to take traffic away from the currently congested approaches to the school.
The proposal also includes the development of a science park, including a research and training facility possibly focussing on the renewables industry, a care home, a small hotel and a petrol station.
Michael Wright said: “While some local residents are opposed to our plans, we have generally been very encouraged by the public’s reaction. Basically, we propose to provide new housing – a must for Beverley over the next 10 years – a state-of-the-art school providing a better learning and teaching environment, and a scheme that will expand Beverley in such a way that it does not fall closer to the clutches of Hull”.
Over the next month, the consortium is to hold a consultation programme culminating in a public exhibition. The venue and dates of the exhibition will be announced within the next few days.