A housing developer has said it “doesn’t anticipate” a controversial road closure in the Kingsley area of Harrogate will last six months.
The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists face a 1.4-mile detour when Kingsley Road is completely sealed off beyond the junction with Kingsley Drive up to the bridge leading to Bogs Lane.
The affected route is popular among people looking to access the shared cycle route and footpath to Bilton.
North Yorkshire County Council issued a temporary prohibition of traffic order, from November 7, lasting for up to 12 months, to enable Redrow to carry out work at its 133-home Kingsley Manor development.
David Faraday, technical director for Redrow (Yorkshire), said:
“The road closure will be in place while works to create a new junction, access road and associated services for the development are completed. This includes extensive excavation works to connect the sewers and installation of a new three-way traffic light system.
“We don’t anticipate the works will take the full six months to complete and the closure allows for a period of contingency.”
Hundreds of homes are being built in the Kingsley area.
Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley on North Yorkshire County Council, said yesterday he planned to ask Redrow if access for walkers and cyclists could be maintained for some periods while work is carried out.
Asked if this was something Redrow would consider, Mr Faraday responded:
“The road will be closed to ensure the safety of local residents and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience they may experience over the coming months.
“If it is possible to create a safe through route for pedestrians temporarily while more minor works are underway we will endeavour to do so, but a full closure will be in place while all major works are undertaken, as advised by our contractor.”
Read more:
- Harrogate road closure means 1.4-mile detour for walkers and cyclists
- Harrogate council says it can’t take action on complaints of ‘poisonous’ construction dust in Kingsley area
Asked what consultation had been carried out, he said:
“We notified local residents of the works and road closure via letter on October 19. Formal notification of road closures is the statutory responsibility of the local authority.”
An artist’s impression of how the Redrow development will look.
Mr Faraday said the two, three and four-bedroom homes would “provide a huge boost to local housing supply for a wide market” and the development “will be characterised by areas of natural green space, mature trees and varied planting, and will also feature two play areas”.
He added:
“We are making significant contributions to the local community as part of the planning agreement, including more than £540,000 towards local education, £190,000 towards open space provision, £44,600 towards traffic signals and £5,000 for a local travel plan.”
