Green light for Skipton development
A SCHEME that will focus on caring for the elderly and the community it serves has been given the go ahead with help from planning and development specialists Rural Solutions.
The green light has been given for a cluster of one and two bedroom retirement units on the site of the defunct school wing of St Monica’s in Skipton.
A further part of the convent, a grade two-listed building, will be refurbished for use by St Stephen’s Parish and will provide facilities for dining, day care, laundry and offices for care workers.
The planning application included the demolition of two late nineteenth century wings attached to the convent to make way for the erection of 70 new apartments for the elderly.
Monsignor Andrew Summersgill of St Stephens said: “It has taken many years to get to this stage. We held wide consultations in March 2011 and as a result we were able to modify our proposals to reduce the impact on Castle View Terrace and to enhance the setting of the church.
“The number of apartments was reduced from 90 to 70 and car parking spaces increased. We are in a conservation area so the majority of trees will stay to maintain the green corridor along Grassington Road.”
Duncan Hartley, director of planning at Rural Solutions, based at Broughton Hall, said: “I am thrilled with the planning decision. Being part of a new chapter in the history of the site is a great honour.
“The fact that the development is on a brownfield site is even better, as it means controversial greenfield sites can be left development free. I believe we will have supported Father Summersgill to create a legacy that Skipton will be proud of.”
