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:
“For your officers to say in cabinet papers that there has been some engagement is highly misleading.
“We believe that you have a moral obligation, if not a legal one, to fulfil your promise and to urgently facilitate meaningful engagement with those communities most affected by the new settlement.”
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.
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Responding to Mr Eaton’s letter, a HBC spokesperson said:
“This new settlement will provide an opportunity to deliver much-needed quality homes as well as associated facilities so it is vital that the local community are involved.
“We plan on carrying out a thorough consultation on the new settlement development plan document and welcome residents’ views.”
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.
