'Housing development would start to turn North Ferriby into another Brough'

MORE than 1,000 villagers have signed letters objecting to a controversial housing development in North Ferriby.

National property developer St Modwen wants to build 510 houses in Melton Fields on countryside next to the village.

The estate would increase North Ferriby's size by almost a third.

Villagers against the scheme have collected about 1,200 letters opposing it, amid concerns over the way estates have changed the character of Brough.

Peter Dykes, vice-chairman of the Save Our Ferriby group, said: "It would start to create another Brough.

"I think it's a really bad housing development in Brough and we don't want North Ferriby to go the same way.

"This goes to show the depth of feeling in the village."

Objectors claim the houses would put huge pressure on roads, schools and medical services.

Mr Dykes said: "Another 510 houses in a 1,700-house village is a very big change.

"We need to stop it at all costs. We intend to carry on fighting and turning up as much evidence against it as we possibly can.

"It will increase the size of the village by a third and we don't want that environment destroyed."

The site where developers intend to build is a green space flanked by a small wood.

The spot, next to Plantation Drive on the west side of the village, is popular with dog walkers and ramblers.

It is home to foxes, birds and other wildlife.

There are no plans to chop down the wood but some villagers are concerned its appearance would be changed forever.

Mr Dykes said: "It's a beautiful view across the river from the walk.

"It's a beautiful setting. The wood would come under a lot of pressure if there were houses on both sides of it.

"The wildlife within the wood would become non-existent. It's just a non-starter really – it should never be allowed."

North Ferriby Parish Council voted unanimously to oppose the application, as did the neighbouring parish of Welton.

Parish councillors in South Cave also voted against it.

Mr Dykes is hopeful East Riding Council will refuse planning permission on Melton Fields.

But he fears St Modwen may then appeal against the decision to the planning inspectorate.

He said: "It's not in the council's development plan.

"When it goes to appeal, the Government may overturn the objections and allow it."

About 100 letters of objection are published on the council's website.

One, submitted by Cristina Mabbett, said: "The supply of housing in this small area is already at saturation point.

"There is the potential for 1,000 extra cars in the area at the norm of two per house.

"Unfortunately, the high street in Ferriby is already difficult to negotiate.