The Scarborough and Whitby Area Planning Committee has approved an amendment to the planning permission for the High Mill development, allowing a delay in the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over Scalby Beck.
The decision was made despite objections from local residents and a ward councillor. The bridge is intended to connect the High Mill site with facilities in Newby.
The original planning permission required the bridge to be completed before any of the 220 dwellings in Phase 3 of the development were occupied. The amendment allows the bridge to be completed before the occupation of the 50th dwelling in Phase 3, approximately 24% of the phase.
Planning officer Hugh Smith explained that while planning permission for a bridge had been refused in 2023, this request to delay delivery of the bridge was a different proposition, and that 76% of the homes in phase three cannot be occupied until the bridge is delivered. He noted this is a compromise, but the limited delay is better than no bridge or housing.
The developer, Lovell Partnerships LLP and Cetacea Investments Ltd, argued that the original condition made the site unattractive to developers. Rachael Martin, agent for the developer, stated that the amendment was needed to provide additional time to carry out due diligence and preparations required to deliver the bridge without delaying the delivery of housing.
Local Councillor Subash Sharma said there was a risk that without the amendment there would be further delays to the whole phase 3 project and the risk of neither the housing or bridge being built at all.
The committee's decision was made in the context of a complex planning history for the High Mill site. The site has seen multiple developers and delays since outline planning permission was first granted in 2010. A previous application to remove the requirement for the bridge was refused in 2023. The current application does not seek to remove the bridge, only to change the timing of its delivery. The planning officers concluded that the proposed change to the timing of the bridge construction could be considered a non-material amendment.
The bridge is intended to provide a direct link between High Mill and facilities in Newby, such as shops and schools, reducing journey distances for pedestrians and cyclists. The current, more circuitous routes are considered dangerous, especially for school children.
There is a commitment to 30% affordable housing and over £1 million towards local services, including schools, buses, sports, and health facilities, as well as bridge maintenance.
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