RESIDENTS of a housing estate claim their views are being ignored when it comes to a housing scheme.

People living on the Westfield Estate in Eggborough say both Selby District Council and Chevin Housing Association are not giving them a say about homes which are to be built on their doorstep.

The issue revolves around the demolition of 94 garages on the estate, which have been sold to Chevin Housing by the district council.

Chevin Housing intends to build houses on the site of the garages, although it has not yet submitted a formal planning application.

But local councillors John and Mary McCartney, along with local residents, say they should be consulted about the final plans so that concerns and issues about access and parking can be ironed out before an application is submitted.

Coun Mary McCartney said: “At the moment they are not planning to meet with the residents until October, when the proposal will be done and dusted and ready to go through the planning process.”

Local residen, Fred Morritt, of Westfield Road, said the lives of people on the estate would be “blighted” if there was no proper consultation while Rose Smith, of Westfield Avenue, said “it is like we do not exist”.

A spokeswoman for Selby Council said they were aware residents had concerns but stressed that no detailed plans had been drawn up and there would be time in the planning process – including before the formal submission of the application.

She said: “We understand that parking is an issue in the area and in drawing up proposals consideration will be given to this issue. Our records show a large number of these garages are not currently used for cars, and so the impact on local parking provision may not necessarily be a big issue if alternative provision can be made.

“Chevin Housing is currently working with others to draw up detailed plans; this initial early stage, however, is about looking more generally at any site restrictions or the potential impact on the surrounding area.

“Our overall aim here is to provide new affordable housing in the area for local families. We know that some families struggle to find good quality accommodation, so a development providing new affordable homes could help to meet the needs of the local area.”

Steve Close, chief executive of Chevin Housing Association, said any scheme was a long way off from being developed and said the meeting in October would be a chance for residents to voice their concerns ahead of any planning application.

He said: “I understand the residents will want to contribute and they have an opportunity.

“When we meet in October we will listen to what they have to say and take it into consideration. And this will be well before any planning application is submitted.”