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03
Mar 2021
Councillor criticised for staying silent on housing development
Residents in Rossett Green, Harrogate have expressed frustration at their local councillor for not explaining why he abstained to vote on a sensitive housing application.
In January, Harrogate Borough Council's planning committee gave developer Berkeley DeVeer final approval to build 14 homes on land at Rossett Green Lane.
The vote was passed by six votes to five.
Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who chairs the planning committee and whose Harrogate Pannal ward includes the Rossett Green site, abstained.
If the votes were tied, Cllr Mann as chair would have had the casting vote.
Local resident David Thompson said Cllr Mann has not responded to emails from at least six different people asking why he declined to vote.
He said:
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The application has a sensitive history. Harrogate Borough Council initially refused the plans in November 2016. A council document explaining the reason for refusal said it would "lead to an erosion of the rural character" of this part of Harrogate.
The decision was then overturned on appeal despite 37 objections. Many objections claimed the development would have a negative impact on the area.
The Stray Ferret called Cllr Mann but just after we explained what the call was about he said there was a poor reception and the line then went dead.
We called again but he did not answer so we left a message, which has not been returned. The council press office said it was a matter for Mr Mann.
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