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29
Jun 2023
Council investigates planning breach claims at 53-home Harrogate site
North Yorkshire Council is investigating an alleged breach of planning in a Harrogate field where 53 homes could be built.
North-east property developer Jomast has applied to build the homes off Knox Lane in Bilton. Councillors deferred the scheme for a third time this month amid concerns about land contamination.
Since then, the council has opened a probe into potential damage to trees within the tree preservation order.
The Stray Ferret has seen a letter from a council planning enforcement officer to a resident saying it is investigating and will provide a further update within 28 days.
When we approached the council about it, assistant director for planning Trevor Watson said:
The Knox scheme has received more than 300 objections amid concerns about its impact on a quiet corner of Bilton.
Sue Wrightson, of the Keep Knox Natural campaign group, which opposes the development, claimed field activity undertaken at the site this month did not conform with council guidelines on contaminated land.
Photos of the site
Dr Damian Bowen a toxicologist and local resident who has submitted a review of Jomast's phase two contamination report, alleged the company had not addressed concerns raised about the reliability of its data.
In response to a request for comment on the council investigation, Stephen Courcier, planning consultant for the application at Jomast, said:
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