VILLAGERS have slammed a property developer they claim is burdening their community's infrastructure and destroying its character.

Residents in Sherburn-in-Elmet have criticised a variation in plans filed by Redrow Homes to build a 100-home development in Moor Lane.

They say the proposals, including three-storey townhouses, are out of keeping with the surrounding area.

But Redrow argues the scheme has already had planning approval, with this latest application "simply an improvement in layout".

Previous housing schemes in the area have come under fire, with community leaders claiming Sherburn is being overdeveloped.

Duncan Murdoch, of Fairway Close, said: "It is now getting to the point where I feel there is no point raising any objections against further houses being built in the Sherburn area due to the fact that no one seems to take any notice.

"New housing is causing more and more strain on the infrastructure. More land is being taken in, which means less wildlife in the area.

"It is about time we put a stop to all this building in such a small community. Why doesn't someone make a stand and say enough is enough?"

Barbara Wilson, secretary of Sherburn-in-Elmet Community Association and Moor Lane resident, said Redrow were going against earlier promises.

She said: "We were promised by developers' representatives that the number of three-storey buildings would be reduced or eliminated from their site.

"Obviously, they think we will not remember this because these new plans appear to make the three-storey blocks a main feature of the development.

"They are out of character in this part of the village and placing two of them on the north eastern corner near the roundabout means the first things you will see as you enter Sherburn from the bypass will be these monstrosities, which look like prison blocks.

"If they have to be part of the development, surely they could be hidden away somewhere on the site, rather than standing out like sore thumbs."

Jim Cropper, the managing director of Redrow (Yorkshire) Ltd, said: "The site already has the benefit of a detailed planning permission. Our revised planning application for the same number of units seeks only to enhance the layout and introduce better elevations and design features.

"It has the same proportion of affordable housing and retains the same number of three storey homes in broadly the same location."