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18
Nov 2020
Harrogate Civic Society has said it is "very disappointed" a 19-home council development in the Bilton area of the town doesn't include any affordable homes.
North Yorkshire County Council was granted permission last week to demolish its Woodfield House care home on Woodfield Square and build the new homes through its property company, Brierley Homes.
Henry Pankhurst, ex-chairman and current planning spokesman for the society, told the Stray Ferret he was not happy that all the new homes will be sold at market value with no provision for affordable properties, particularly as they are being built by a local authority.
He said:
The government defines affordable as homes sold at 80% of the market rate or homes for social rent.
Harrogate Borough Council policy requires 30% affordable on all brownfield developments.
However, for this scheme North Yorkshire County Council applied for a Vacant Building Credit — a government mechanism to encourage vacant properties back into use, which can be used to remove the provision for affordable housing.
Instead, it will make a financial contribution of £72,528 to Harrogate Borough Council, which granted planning permission.
Plans to create affordable flats for key workers in Knaresborough
Harrogate care home to be demolished and replaced with 19 homes
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