Councillor hits back as village fights homes plan

Residents in Bolton Percy, near Selby, passed a vote of no confidence in Coun Brian Percival, deputy leader of Selby District Council, at an emergency village meeting last week.

It is claimed he has been aware of secret discussions with the district council and the Housing Association about plans to push ahead with an affordable housing development of up to eight homes in the village but had not informed residents despite there being 90 per cent opposition to the scheme.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Coun Percival, who has been on the council for 11 years, denied the allegations and said he was stunned at what had happened.

He said: "I am absolutely staggered, nothing like this has ever happened before and I will not stand down.

"I stated in my last election campaign that I wanted more affordable homes in the surrounding villages and was elected with the biggest majority of anyone else on the council.

"I have had absolutely no part in the discussions with the landowner that are being alleged.

"I believe people have got the perception of what affordable housing will mean very wrong.

"These are affordable houses for local people."

The spat erupted earlier this month after the Parish Council said it was contacted by a resident who claimed they had been told by to remove their pony to make way for building work.

Resident Richard Musgrave, a spokesman for an Action Group, formed to oppose the plans, said: "We found out about this proposed site by chance.

"Despite great opposition to the development Coun Percival has disregarded residents' views and appears to be interested only in pushing forward with the development without local consultation."

Coun Percival is planning to arrange a meeting with residents over the next few weeks.