Councillors have rejected controversial plans to build 53 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate.
The proposal, by north-east property developer Jomast, was deferred by councillors at the end of May for a third time.
Today’s decision follows concerns about land contamination and the lack of a travel plan for the site, which is alongside a narrow road at the edge of Bilton and not close to a bus route.
A 45-page report published before the meeting by case officer Andy Hough said the plan was “considered to now be in compliance with development plan policy” and should be approved.
It added that the reasons for deferral at the last meeting would “not form reasonable reasons for refusal”, which indicated Jormast might successfully appeal the decision.
The report also said approval would be subject to conditions and the developer paying a section 106 agreement to compensate for the impact of the scheme on local infrastructure.
But elected councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency planning committee today voted against Mr Hough’s recommendation.
Council officers said they were “satisfied” with land contamination sampling which was carried out by the developer.
However, residents still raised concern over the plan regarding land contamination and the absence of a travel plan.
Cllr Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, spoke on behalf of residents at the meeting. He said:
“There have been over 500 objections to this application from residents. Not because they are ‘nimbys’, but because they believe the council is making a mistake.”
Cllr Haslam added if there was no Local Plan and suitable land supply, this application “would have been turned down”.
Meanwhile, Cllr Hannah Goslow, a Liberal Democrat who represents East, said:
“I would not be able to support this without seeing a travel plan.”
Read more:
- Controversial 53-home Harrogate scheme recommended for approval
- Contamination concerns delay decision on 53-home Knox Lane site
- Stray Views: Knox Lane housing scheme ‘lacks detail’
Nick Turpin, the council’s planning case officer, said a condition could be added to the approval of the application that a travel plan is submitted.
Cllr Robert Windass, a member of the planning committee, said he felt councillors had delayed a decision on the proposal and “kicked it down the road three times already”.
He added:
“With this site, we stand to gain quite a number of affordable homes and social housing.”
However, councillors voted against the proposal by five votes and one abstention.
Cllr Chris Aldred, who was among those who rejected the plan, said “insufficient information” was submitted in regards to a travel plan for councillors to make a decision.
He also raised concern over the impact on an area of special landscape and the loss of biodiversity.
