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28
Sept 2021
Harrogate MP criticises Dunlopillo housing plan
The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has weighed in on a plan to demolish the former Dunlopillo offices in Pannal to make way for apartments.
Otley-based developer Quattro Property Group has submitted the plans, which would see the 1961 office block replaced by 48 one-and two-bedroom apartments.
However, Andrew Jones has criticised the plan and said should not have been lodged under the permitted development rights, which the application has been made under.
The proposal has also proved controversial among some residents, one describing the plan as “awful”.
Mr Jones has written Harrogate Borough Council to call for a special planning committee to scrutinise the proposal.
Read more:
Housing plans set for ‘eyesore’ Dunlopillo office block in Pannal
Plan for eight commercial units on former Dunlopillo site in Pannal
- Pannal residents ‘erupt in fury’ at Dunlopillo housing plans
He has also written to communities secretary, Michael Gove, to ask for him to intervene “should the council’s local planning powers not be sufficient to enable full scrutiny of the application”.
Mr Jones said on his community news website:
The proposal would be split into two blocks, one with four storeys and another with six.
There would also be one car parking space per apartment plus additional spaces for visitors at the back of the building.
Planning consultants Johnson Mowat has submitted planning documents to Harrogate Borough Council on behalf of the developer that says the scheme would be an improvement on the current empty office block, which has been deteriorating for several years.
It says:
The Stray Ferret approached Johnson Mowat for comment, but did not receive a response.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development means that a developer can apply for certain types of applications to go ahead without the need for planning permission.
The last major change to permitted development rights was in 2015, under the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government. However, many changes have since been made since 2020 in response to covid.
Developers can also apply for “prior approval” to carry out a development under permitted development, such as converting retail or office space into homes.
In this case, the developer will ask whether prior permission is required before proceeding with a proposal.
It can take between 28 and 56 days for a council to grant approval to an application.
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