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15
Aug
195 homes at Boroughbridge recommended for approval
Plans to build 195 homes on the southern edge of Boroughbridge look set to be granted.
North Yorkshire Council planning officer Emma Walsh has recommended councillors on its Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee approve the project when they meet on August 26.
Councillors must now decide whether to accept her recommendation or vote against it.
Bellway Homes has applied to build the homes on 10 hectares of agricultural land allocated for development at Stump Cross.
Bellway originally submitted plans for 258 homes at the site, for what would be the second phase of a wider housing development of 401 homes. The first phase is under construction and some properties are occupied.
The housing mix includes one, two, three and four bed houses, offered for rent and shared ownership. A total of 78 homes would be classed as affordable.
The site, part of which used to be a poultry farm, includes two veteran trees, a Tree Preservation Order and a farmhouse that would be destroyed.
Objections were received from Boroughbridge Town Council as well as 13 other people, citing concerns such as congestion, access and lack of capacity at schools and health facilities. “Boroughbridge has had more than its fair share of development,” was among the comments.
The Harrogate district is expected to build 5,492 homes over the next five years, according to government targets but is currently only on track for 3,111.
Ms Walsh’s report said the number of homes for this development was reduced “following design amendments and an improvement in the layout of the development”.
She concluded:
It is considered that the benefit of the provision of 195 dwellings on an allocated site provides a significant contribution to the delivery of housing. There is not considered to be material harm created by the development to outweigh the benefits of the scheme. The application is therein, recommended for approval.
A design and access statement produced in support of the application said:
The scheme blends a variety of dwelling types with good permeability, strong links to public transport, safe and secure access to public open space and a good variety of built form which is reflective and complimentary to the existing built form within the locality. These elements will ensure the creation of a pleasant environment to live.
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