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18
Feb
Housebuilder scraps animal statue plans at Green Hammerton
Plans to install two wildlife sculptures at a housing development in Green Hammerton have been scrapped.
Housebuilder Avant Homes sought approval for a public art installation at its 80-home Ambreton Park development on York Road in November 2024, after the now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council approved the housing scheme in 2021.
Avant Homes planned to install two granite statues, which plans say had already been commissioned and sculpted, near the main access route to the development.
The sculptures, which depict a badger doing a yoga pose and a hedgehog on a scooter, were created by an unnamed local artist and intended to be “enjoyed by residents and visitors”.
They were funded by housing association Stonewater.
However, the plans have this week been withdrawn – and it appears the statues won't be calling the Green Hammerton site home anytime soon.
The Stray Ferret contacted Avant Homes to ask why the proposal has been abandoned and if it plans to re-submit it.
A spokesperson said:
We submitted a planning application on behalf of housing association Stonewater in relation to the installation of two statues at Ambretone Park.
Following feedback from the local authority on the application, Stonewater confirmed to Avant Homes that they no longer wished to proceed with the proposals. The application was subsequently withdrawn.
Avant Homes bought the land in Green Hammerton to build the £21.5 million development in June 2021, three months after the council approved the controversial proposal.
It bought the land from Leeds-based Loxley Homes, which originally submitted plans for the development.
The Avant Homes spokesperson yesterday (February 17) told the Stray Ferret work on the housing development started a number of years ago and is almost complete.
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