Lovell, Craven District Council and Maple Grove Developments are preparing to submit a joint planning application for a £40 million development in Skipton.

The plans, which have been developed in partnership with Lovell, Craven District Council and Maple Grove will be submitted and determined by the Council's Planning Committee, will mean a real economic boost for Skipton, bringing new homes, shops and jobs to the town.

Included within the Skipton Development scheme are over 200 new homes, with a large proportion being earmarked for affordable housing and a significant expansion to the town's shopping centre. If given the go-ahead, over 200 permanent and full time job opportunities will be created throughout the lifecycle of the development.


Noel Adams, Regional Director at Lovell, said: "Following extensive consultations with the local community we are pleased that the proposals will be delivered through a joint venture agreement between the Council, Lovell and Maple Grove. We are thrilled with the agreement and we are looking forward to finally getting the plans submitted to the Council."

Lovell will develop the housing element of the scheme, valued at £30 million. The company plans to build 60 stone-built family houses and apartments at the site of existing council offices in Granville Street. 36 of the homes at the site, neighbouring Aireville Park, will be for open market sale with 24 homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership. In addition, Lovell proposes to create in the region of 160 properties for affordable rent, shared ownership and open market sale on land off Horse Close, about a mile from the town centre. A planning application for the Granville Street development will be submitted in the New Year. Construction work at Granville Street is expected to start by summer 2011.

Maple Grove will undertake the proposed retail and restaurant development off Skipton High Street. The company plans to build four new retail units - fronting Jerry Croft and the main High Street car park - on land behind the Town Hall and a new restaurant complex in place of No 9 High Street.

The plans are scheduled for submission sometime in the coming weeks with determination due to take place in the autumn.

(CD/GK)