New homes to be built at site of 2012 landslip

Several landslips affected the area near Whitby Abbey in 2012-13

New homes can be built on the site of a landslip which led to the demolition of five cottages in a North Yorkshire seaside town in 2012, a council has said.

The construction of three new townhouses on Aelfleda Terrace in Whitby has been approved by North Yorkshire council despite several objections.

Whitby Town Council voiced concerns that the roofline was “inappropriate”, adding that planned basement flats were an “overdevelopment” of the site.

However, North Yorkshire Council's conservation officer said the design of the houses would have a "neutral impact" on the town's conservation area.

The site, which has clear views across the harbour, has been vacant for more than a decade after the landslip left five 19th Century cottages hanging over a sheer drop.

The terrace of fishermen's cottages had overlooked the town from the east side of the River Esk and were just a few hundred yards from the historic Whitby Abbey.

A previous application for eight apartments at the site was rejected two years ago, but Kris Blake of Abbeyfield Developments Ltd has now been given permission to build five dwellings.

The development will see the construction of three townhouses forming a terrace with a staggered roofline and two studio apartments below.

The site where the homes will be built is a few hundred yards from Whitby Abbey

The town’s civic society had opposed the scheme, saying the design was "out of keeping and will impact upon views of the abbey".

North Yorkshire Council’s conservation officer had also originally objected, raising concerns about the “impact on key views and vistas”.

However, following amendments to the plan, the officer said there would be “no harm” if appropriate conditions were implemented.

Six members of the public also objected to the development, citing concerns about the “impact on historic buildings”.

But planning officers said that following changes to the development plan, the houses would “not appear incongruous in long-distance views”.

They added that the use of “suitably authentic materials” would ensure they “blend in with the surrounding built environment”.

Despite some concerns by members of the public about overshadowing, officers said there would be “an acceptable level of light remaining”.

A report added that “the site constraints are such that it shall be necessary to have a well-managed construction site” and a construction management plan would be required.

The development was approved by North Yorkshire Council on Tuesday 30 April.