The developer, Hesland Green, has recently entered into a contract to buy the abattoir in Boosbeck with a view to developing the site for housing. To make the plans viable, the council has been working with the developer and has agreed an option to sell some of its own land to the rear of the site.
As part of this agreement, the abattoir must be closed and demolished by the developer before any sale of the local authority-owned land takes place. Other conditions will prevent an abattoir being rebuilt and reopened on the land in the future.
The developer’s plans are at an early stage and final proposals for the land will be the subject of an application for planning permission. The developer is keen to seek the views of local residents and will be starting consultation shortly.
In the meantime the council will continue to monitor the site and address any issues which arise.
Councillor Sue Jeffrey, Leader of the Council, said: “Much work has been going on behind the scenes to provide a means of resolving this situation for the residents of Boosbeck”.
“We know that the operation of the abattoir has caused a lot of distress to residents and we have monitored the position and taken action where possible. Issues have reduced considerably since slaughtering at the site ended , but the ongoing presence of the business in the village will clearly remain a concern for residents and we believe we now have an opportunity to remove the abattoir permanently”.
“Hesland Green has committed to involving residents in the consultation process for its proposals for the site and final plans will require planning permission, which will allow residents to have a further say when an application is submitted.
“This is at the early stages in the process but we are hopeful that a long-term solution is in sight.”
Steve Hesmondhalgh, planning consultant and director of Hesland Green
‘Working closely with the council we are committed to the removal of the abattoir alongside a proposal to build new homes in Boosbeck. Our next step is to engage with local people to see how the plans can help transform the village through a housing scheme whilst retaining existing amenities.’
While preliminary investigations take place on the land, Hesland Green will hold a public exhibition shortly to show outline plans and listen to the views of local people.
Please contact the council’s communications team to organise interviews with Cllr Sue Jeffrey on 01642 444517. The contact details for Steve Hesmondhalgh are:
Mobile: 07792585330
Email: steve@stevehes.co.uk
