Planning officers had recommended that the proposals to build seven dwellings on the site of the H Kitching and Sons garage on Middle Street be refused.

They had argued that the properties would have a 'dominating impact' on nearby homes.

But members of the East Riding Council's eastern area planning sub-committee voted to defer a ruling until after a site visit when they met in Bridlington on Monday.

Committee member Charles Hunter said: "I honestly don't see a lot wrong with this site.

"I think the only fair thing we can do is have a site visit."
But parish councillor Cliff Horsman told the committee that residents were concerned over the impact of the plans on neighbouring properties, the density of the development and the access to the site.

He claimed there were 16 windows across four of the properties that would overlook the adjacent bungalows in Sycamore Close, while the density of the development was the equivalent of 23 dwellings per acre.

He added: "We believe that the fire service and refuse collectors wil not be able to get round on the site because of the number of parking areas.

"The village is not against a reasonable development here.
"We think they should build four single storey buildings, possibly facing north and south so they do not overlook adjacent properties."

But ward councillor Margaret Chapman said the new scheme was 'much more acceptable' than an earlier proposal for eight properties on the site.
She told the committee the plans would enable the existing garage business, which had been in existence for well over a century, to move to new, modern premises within the village.

"I think they have proven their sustainability", she said.

Coun Chapman added that the land was within walking distance of a wide range of services, ranging from shops and pubs to the school, village hall and sports fields.

She said: "This site is more sustainable than almost any other site I can think of."

Barry Woodcock, agent for the applicants Jen-Jay Limited, also described officers' reasons for recommending refusal as 'minor'.
He added that there had been no direct objections from residents of Sycamore Close.

Highways and conservation officers had also not objected to the plans, while the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water had not expressed concerns over drainage.

But committee member Bryan Pearson said: "We are given information by officers who must work within the rules and I feel we must make that clear."
allister.webb@yrnlt.d.co.uk