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Fury over hilltop eco-homes plan
Neighbours vow to start campaign against holiday park development
By Michael Peel
PLANS for 30 hilltop holiday homes overlooking a newly declared nature reserve have infuriated neighbours.
Private developer Ian Plantagenet told a meeting he wanted to build an "eco holiday park" opposite Colden Primary School, Colden, Hebden Bridge, with properties costing up to 200,000 each.
His proposal for the sheep farm also include car parking for more than 30 vehicles, a cafe and a shop.
Rebecca Dearden said residents from Colden and nearby Blackshaw Head were furious.
"Mr Plantagenet said the scheme would bring in more tourists and that the houses would be built into the hillside.
"But he has not looked into the possibility for alternative heating or lighting and the houses would be constructed out of concrete.
"Close questioning at the meeting revealed the holiday homes would be sold as second homes for upwards of 200,000 each," she said.
About 70 people attended the meeting, organised by Mr Plantagenet and his planning consultants, Dunlop Haywards.
They said the development would be the first of its kind in the UK. "It would provide holiday accommodation in a new and exciting way which seeks to minimise the impact of the development upon the environment by creating a holiday village which is in harmony with the surrounding landscape."
Residents plan to organise a campaign against the development and will meet at the school on Monday at 7pm.
Blackshaw Parish councillor Dorothy Sutcliffe said there were some people, especially landowners, who would be in favour of the development.
"They will see it as a way of building homes in the green belt but I believe that if the scheme is approved, it will pave the way for many more like it," she said.
The parish council intends to organise a public meeting if and when the application is submitted the council.
Mr Plantagenet, who lives in Bradford, was unavailable for comment. Tony McAteer, of Dunlop Haywards, said it was in the hands of his client.
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 11 February 2012
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