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23

May 2024

Last Updated: 29/05/2024
News
News

Council backs down from legal battle with housebuilder over 53 homes in Harrogate

by John Plummer

| 23 May, 2024
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A long-running campaign to prevent 53 homes being built off a quiet cul-de-sac in Harrogate has suffered a severe setback.

Teesside developer Jomast applied to build the homes off Knox Lane in Bilton.

Councillors on North Yorkshire Council's Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee overruled a council officer's recommendation when they voted to reject the scheme in September last year.

The campaign group Keep Knox Natural hailed the the outcome, which it said had "strengthened local community spirit and resolve".

Jomast subsequently appealed to the government’s Planning Inspectorate and indicated it intended to seek costs. It said the plans had been recommended for approval by council officers four times and councillors were wrong not to approve them.

Trevor Watson, the council’s assistant director of planning, said today it had "agreed not to contest" the appeal.

Mr Watson said:

“In October 2023 we refused planning permission for 53 houses at Knox Lane, Harrogate on grounds relating to highway matters, landscape impact and biodiversity issues. The developer Jomast appealed the decision with the Planning Inspectorate.
“The public inquiry to consider the appeal will take place from July 23, 2024 where all interested parties will be able to put their views forward to the independent planning inspector who will make a final decision.
“However, following external legal advice, members of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency planning committee have decided not to contest the appeal.”