The government has given the go-ahead for 53 homes to be built on Knox Lane in Harrogate.

Teeside developer Jomast proposed the plans for the street off Bilton, which were rejected by councillors in September last year.

At the time, the council refused the scheme over concerns that it would harm the landscape, local road network and biodiversity.

The plans proved controversial with residents, who submitted hundreds of letters of objection to North Yorkshire Council.

However, the developer took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate after it said the plans were recommended for approval by council officers on four separate occasions.

A public inquiry into the refusal was held at Harrogate’s Civic Centre in July. But, council officials decided not to contest the appeal after receiving legal advice.

Instead, residents from Knox Conservation Community Group defended the decision at the hearing and put forward multiple concerns to the inspector, including on land contamination and the impact on the sewerage system.

Now, a government planning inspector has approved the plans.

In a decision notice, Mark Sturgess, the planning inspector who oversaw the appeal, said the proposal complied with the requirements of the development plan for the area.

He said:

Meanwhile, Jomast has also submitted an application for costs against the council as part of its appeal.

Mr Sturgess said in his notice that a judgement over the awarding of costs would be part of a separate decision.