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22
Sept 2021
'It's hugely disappointing': Knaresborough affordable homes refused
Knaresborough Community Land Trust's bid to build affordable apartments on the town's high street has been refused by Harrogate Borough Council.
The not-for-profit group wanted to build the housing because it believes Knaresborough has become too expensive for local people to live.
Three homes would have been built on a disused plot of land that once housed a public toilet near Knaresborough House.
The CLT would have owned the homes and rented them to local people at below the market rate.
Innovative design
The plans received support from Knaresborough Civic Society, which praised their "innovative design".
However, Harrogate Borough Council planning department disagreed this week and said the proposal would harm Knaresborough Conservation Area.
The council also refused the application because of the loss of open space and seven trees. The CLT had planned to replant 14 trees at alternative locations in town.
Hilary Gardner, secretary of Knaresborough CLT, told the Stray Ferret the refusal was "hugely disappointing", particularly as the council had initially offered it the plot to build affordable housing.
Ms Gardner said:
Read more:
Plans to create affordable flats for key workers in Knaresborough
Housing Investigation: New homes out of reach for too many locals
'Knaresborough needs its young'
In December, the Stray Ferret spoke to Steph Getao, a director of Knaresborough CLT who is in her early 30s.
She said she was moving away from Knaresborough with her husband due to high house prices. She believes the CLT is necessary to keep young people in the town.
She said:
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