Hornsea affordable homes get go-ahead

TWO separate plans for affordable homes in Hornsea have been backed by councillors.

Initially, the applications – both on Trinity Road – received strong opposition from concerned residents.

In particular, Hornsea Scout Group also complained it would result in a loss of open space around its hut.

But the group withdrew its objection when the plans were re-drawn.

Instead of three homes being built to the north of the hut only two are now proposed.

East Riding ward councillor Barbara Jefferson, said: "I am very pleased the planners have listened to residents.

"Reducing the number of dwellings from three to two makes a huge difference to the scouts."

Under the plans, another four homes will be created nearby in the same road.

Cllr Jefferson said: "These four bungalows will be a big benefit for the older people in Hornsea and free up family homes as well."

Following objections from the Scout group, a planned sewage pumping station will now be downsized.

Apart from a small control cubicle, the station will not impinge on the green area which surrounds the scout hut.

No lay-by will be created in front of the scout hut, as previously proposed.

Steve Smyth, chairman of the Scout group, which has 90 members aged six to 18, said: "When we heard the council was considering developing the site we were horrified.

"This year marks 100 years of scouting within Hornsea and the thought of being rewarded with a large sewage pumping station left us all thinking that apathy was not an option – we had to raise our concerns and hope to be heard.

"There has been a great deal of work undertaken by the town council, friends, neighbours, members of the group and their families in raising objections to the location and type of sewage pumping station that was proposed in front of the scout hut.

"The council listened, for which we are all very grateful, and now the compromise is a smaller station that will be off to one side of the development and not directly on the main access to the hut."

Both sets of plans were given the go-ahead by councillors, subject to certain outstanding issues being resolved.

The affordable housing scheme in Hornsea is part of a £33m building programme by East Riding Council, which will create 275 new council homes.