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06
Oct 2020
Campaign group has 'grave concerns' about consultation on 3,000 homes
A campaign group has said it has "grave concerns" about a forthcoming consultation by Harrogate Borough Council on plans to build 3,000 homes near Green Hammerton.
The council is set to agree plans for a new settlement at a cabinet meeting tomorrow. It is also likely to agree details of a consultation process.
Land south of Cattal train station has been identified as the preferred option for the development.
But Chris Eaton, from Keep Green Hammerton Green, disputed the council's claim it had engaged with stakeholders in drawing up its plans.
In a letter to cabinet member for planning, Cllr Rebecca Burnett, seen by the Stray Ferret, Mr Eaton said he was writing "to express our disappointment and grave concern about the process of creating the new settlement development plan document".
He said the council's preferred option had been chosen without input from local residents.
His letter said:
The development plan document, which councillors will consider at tomorrow's meeting, establishes the boundary of the settlement, contains details on the types of houses available and outlines where new roads could be built.
It was chosen after planning consultants Gillespies produced a report for the council setting out three possible sites.
The cabinet will discuss the report tomorrow and potentially begin a consultation later this year.
According to HBC, there has been stakeholder engagement on its preferred option.
Read more:
Council prepares for 3,000-home Green Hammerton consultation
Council accused of ‘steamrollering’ through Green Hammerton plans
Flaxby development set for High Court battle
Responding to Mr Eaton's letter, a HBC spokesperson said:
HBC's decision to choose Green Hammerton over Flaxby for a new settlement will be examined at a judicial review, which will take place on October 27, 28, and 29 at the High Court in London.
If found to be unlawful, the decision on where to place the new settlement may have to made again.
HBC's planning committee is expected to reject the 2,750-home Flaxby development on October 13.
The date has been pushed back a week after a "technical error" meant the developer Flaxby Park Ltd was not informed.
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