| Marton residents annoyed with planners Then in 1966 - residents in The Grove Marton are accusing the North Riding County Council of deliberately flouting public opinion and making a mockery of the whole procedure of local government. They claim that in granting a builder permission to erect 26 houses in The Grove, the council has completely ignored the views of the local parish council and local residents. Trouble began when a Norton builder Mr John Bonar bought a five acre site for £13,750. At that time the planning authority suggested the land was suitable for 16 semi-detached houses. However at a later date, despite objections from Marton parish, and Stokesley district councils, permission was given to increase the density to 26 houses. Mr A.S. Cunningham, chairman of the parish council, and a resident in The Grove, said he was astonished by the decision. He described it as a “nanny knows best” decision. “It makes a mockery of the process of consultation and listening to local opinion. The road is very narrow, lit and paved on one side only and is already over burdened with traffic.” Now in 2000 - The Grove has recently been closed to traffic at the Ormesby Station end to prevent this exclusive road becoming a “rat run” for commuter traffic trying to avoid the congestion through Marton. Residents are split on the practicality of this decision.This article appeared in the March 2000 edition of
Now & Then Magazine |