MAJOR plans for new homes, shops, health and school facilities would urbanise two rural East Yorkshire villages, objectors claim.
More than 100 homes, a care home, small shops, a GP drop-in centre, creche and a sixth form facility are proposed for land opposite South Hunsley School at Melton.
Objectors are warning the plans would urbanise the villages of Melton and Welton, which they say should remain separate. But applicants Manor Property Group have defended the outline plans, insisting they would provide much-needed homes, as well as facilities including an additional sixth form building for South Hunsley School.
Welton Parish Council has objected to the scheme, for land north of Welton Old Road, after members voted unanimously against it. Parish clerk Helena Crutchley said: "Both villages are considered to be rural. Joining them up would make it more of an urban area.
"Parish councillors want to keep the villages separate, the loss of the countryside would have a major impact on the landscape. Councillors are also concerned about traffic, there is already gridlock and it would get worse."
Resident Brian Oliver, 64, who lives near the site, said: "The agricultural land they want to build on forms a barrier between the two villages so if this particular site was used for housing, essentially Welton and Melton would coalesce. It would destroy the landscape. There is already a lot of traffic at the beginning and end of the school day and that would also get worse."
Mr Oliver claimed there was also a concern that if planning permission was granted, the developers would build the 109 homes but not the other facilities. Other villagers have also lodged written objections with East Riding Council, which will consider the planning application.
Rob Simpson, of Melton, told the council: "There is no want or need to urbanise our rural villages to be on a par with Brough. It will affect our views, house prices, noise levels, dust and dirt from the quarry (existing trees act as a barrier to this but will be removed), the natural habitat we all love to see will be lost and it will totally change our villages in a very negative way."
Mr Simpson feared traffic congestion would get worse and child safety would be compromised. He said: "There is no need for a large care home as there are so many others in the area not to capacity, the same applies for any retail units, historically these have always failed in the past."
Philip Akrill, for Manor Property Group, insisted the atmosphere and look of the area would not be affected. He said: "We are not spoiling the environment, we are creating extra amenities for the community.
"We have got road safety, we are increasing the educational offer and we are creating homes. There's a need for a creche, there's a need for an old people's home and also some middle class houses so people can move up and leave cheaper housing."
