Locals in Whitby are strongly opposing plans to build four high-end holiday units near the historic 19th-century Larpool Viaduct, citing concerns over wildlife disruption, road safety, and the impact on the area's character.
A plan to build high-end holiday units near a historic Whitby landmark has been met with a raft of objections from residents.
Four “high-quality holiday let units” could be constructed at Riverside Walk, Larpool Lane in Whitby near the 19th-century Larpool Viaduct, if plans are approved by the council.
A dozen locals have objected to the plan by Knapton & Knapton Ltd, which also propose widening a road, creating parking facilities, and a comprehensive landscaping scheme.
Neighbour, Anne Robinson, said:
“I and 41 other owners of Captain Cook’s Haven strongly object to the disruption caused by the widening of our shared road, which we do not want, along with the building works and vehicles.
“We are a family holiday park, and these proposed works would certainly put visitors and staff in danger.”
The development aims to create a “market-leading, high-end modular accommodation that is sensitive to the surrounding landscape, complements the character of the area, and enhances the user experience of both guests and the wider public,” according to plans submitted by Knapton and Knapton.
The proposal states that the layout is designed to ensure the four units are placed “sensitively within the site, making effective use of natural topography and existing features. Adequate separation between the units ensures privacy, high amenity value, and respectful integration with the landscape”.
However, one of the objectors, Stephen Clough, said:
“It is well known that the embankment is home to families of Deer that use this embankment as a safe haven to not only live but to traverse the area safely and confidently.”
He added:
“We feel that disruption, in the form of construction work, to this balanced ecosystem would be detrimental to the area and its ability to support such a thriving environment.”
Another resident said:
“This would cause harm to the character of the area and would detract from the setting of the Larpool Viaduct, a structure of recognised historic importance.”
The site is located approximately 0.7km south of Whitby town centre and 0.6km north-east of the village of Ruswarp, and is bordered by purpose-built holiday accommodation to both the north and south.
“It comprises steeply sloping land that falls towards the River Esk. The Site is currently undeveloped and has no active or established land use.”
The proposals include the widening of the highway to four metres to improve accessibility and “add public benefit to existing residents”, while each unit would be served by a parking space.
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the plans which are open to representations from members of the public.
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