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17

Aug 2022

Last Updated: 16/08/2022
Environment
Environment

Calls to tackle construction vehicles who cause 'misery' in Harrogate

by Thomas Barrett

| 17 Aug, 2022
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There has been an unprecedented levels of housebuilding in the Harrogate district in recent years but it has resulted in an increasing number of trucks, lorries and other construction traffic going to-and-from sites.

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A councillor says more should be done to tackle construction vehicles that are making people's lives a 'misery' in residential areas.

There has been an unprecedented levels of housebuilding in the Harrogate district in recent years, which has resulted in an increasing number of trucks, lorries and other construction traffic going to-and-from sites.

At a Harrogate Borough Council meeting last night, Conservative councillor for Old Bilton, Paul Haslam, queried what more the council could do to support residents dealing with disruption.

When a development receives planning permission, conditions are attached that stipulate how housebuilders will minimise the impact of issues such as noise and dust.

But Cllr Haslam said he and other councillors had received complaints from residents that the council's planning enforcement team was not ensuring that conditions were being upheld.

Cllr Haslam said:

"I'm very concerned at the moment about some building work that’s going on in Harrogate, where it’s close to existing properties. [The housebuilders] have been given permission to build, not to make their lives a misery.
"How can we help officers enforce conditions to ensure that development is conducted in a safe and healthy way?"


He added:

"I have potential building on the edge of my area at the moment. The people who live next to it will have 10 years of disruption."





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In response, Conservative councillor for Killinghall and Hampsthwaite, Michael Harrison, suggested council officers should meet with the directors of housing companies so they can better understand "how much work they need to do" to support people who live next to building sites.

Conservative councillor for the Washburn ward, Victoria Oldham asked Cllr Haslam if he thought HBC's planning enforcement team was acting on complaints from residents "in a timeous manner".

Cllr Haslam said he was concerned that enforcement officers "don't have enough support". He said:

"Quite clearly, guidelines are being flaunted by the developers. We need to make sure we are seen to protect our residents."