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Oct 2021
Harrogate council criticised for approving Pannal "skyscraper"
Harrogate’s MP and residents have criticised the borough council for its “mistake” in approving plans for a controversial apartment block without a vote from councillors.
The plans to demolish the derelict Dunlopillo office building in Pannal to make way for a six-storey apartment block were this week approved at officer level and under rules called permitted development rights despite calls for an emergency meeting.
The decision not to call members of Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee together for a vote has been criticised as “very wrong”.
However, the council has hit back saying it must follow rules under permitted development rights and that the calls for an emergency meeting were made too late.
A council spokesperson said:
Permitted development rights were introduced by the government to fast-track the conversion of empty buildings into homes. However, there have been criticisms over how much of a say residents and councillors have in the process.
Harrogate MP Andrew Jones previously said the Dunlopillo plans should not have been lodged under these rules and has now criticised the council for its “mistake” in approving the development in this way.
He said:
Read More:
- Pannal residents ‘erupt in fury’ at Dunlopillo housing plans
- Controversial Dunlopillo apartment plan approved
The plans from Otley-based Quattro Property Group include 48 flats for the Station Road site which has sat empty since Dunlopillo – which made pillows and mattresses – moved out in 2008.
The apartments will be split into two blocks – one with four storeys and another with six – and residents are fearful that the development will have a major visual impact on the area which has no other buildings of this type.
Resident Anne Smith said:
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