The controversial proposals for land at the top of Westfields and Hurgill Road, brought forward by Zetland Estates in February 2022, were rejected by North Yorkshire Council after scores of residents protested about the potential impact on a beloved beauty spot on the route of the Coast to Coast walk. An appeal against the refusal has now been dismissed, with a planning inspector saying the first main issue was the effect of the proposal on the setting of Richmond conservation area, the second was the character and appearance of the area, the third was the effect of the proposal on the setting of Hurgill Lodge, and the fourth was the effect on the significance of the Westfield Medieval Field System. The news has been met with delight by residents, who had fought to save the pastureland.
Mother-of-two Alexa Gunn, who lives close to the site, said: “This is brilliant news, for both residents and visitors to our area. The development was too large, and in the wrong place – it would have completely spoiled the beautiful landscape.” The proposals attracted a huge amount of community opposition, with more than 2,000 people signing a petition against the development and 265 further letters of objection.
The application was submitted by Zetland Estates Ltd, the family business venture of the 4th Marquess of Zetland, based at Aske Hall, near Richmond. The planning inspector said in his report: “The eastern end of the appeal site adjoins the Richmond settlement limit. However, .