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06
Jul
Developer reveals plans for 150 houses in Pannal
Up to 150 homes could be built in Pannal, to the south of Harrogate, if new proposals from a local developer go ahead.
Forward Investments LLP has not yet submitted a planning application for the site on the south-west edge of the village, but local residents have received a leaflet outlining the proposals, which include a mix of housing, from one-bed to four-bed homes, half of which Forward says would be affordable.
On a website Forward has created as part of a pre-application consultation exercise, www.landsouthofpannal.co.uk, the developer states:
The emerging masterplan follows a landscape-led design, with public rights of way, green corridors and public open space and significant ecological enhancements.
The site is bounded by the regenerated former Dunlopillo site, the A61 Leeds Road, and the railway line.
The proposals have drawn a mixed response locally, although those welcoming the prospects of more houses in the pipeline appear to be outnumbered – online, at least – by those objecting.
One social media user commented on Facebook:
Of all the places in Harrogate, it makes sense to build in Pannal and other areas on the roads towards Leeds. Everywhere else is feeling the pinch of house building. It's odd that Pannal has had very little compared to Killinghall etc.
Of those coming out against the plans, some complain that greenbelt land is at risk of being be built on, some worry that the local infrastructure cannot cope, and others are sceptical that half the houses will indeed be affordable.
One posted on Facebook:
We have some beautiful wildlife in these fields that will be destroyed. Plus the school and infrastructure can’t cope. How can we stop this happening?
But on its consultation website, Forward Investments is clear about the rationale behind building on the site:
It is in a sustainable and well-connected location; less than 700 metres and under a 10-minute walk from Pannal train station, as well as on the route of the 36 bus service.
The partners of Forward Investments LLP have extensive property interests in Harrogate and the surrounding area. They also run Forward Investment Properties Harrogate LLP, which owns a block of property on Harrogate’s Parliament Street that has come in for criticism recently due to its run-down state.
In advance of submitting an outline planning application to North Yorkshire Council, Forward Investments LLP is inviting feedback from the local community. The public consultation will run from today (Monday, July 6) until Sunday, July 19. Comments can be left on the consultation website.
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