An application to build 60 homes on two fields in Harrogate has been rejected.

Doncaster developer Keepmoat applied to North Yorkshire Council last year to build on two fields off Beckwith Head Road.

The site, close to Cardale Park, is designated to be developed as employment land.

But Keepmoat described it as “accessible and sustainable” and “well suited for residential development” in planning documents. 

It wanted to build one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, of which 35% would be classed as affordable.

But North Yorkshire Council rejected the proposal in a decision notice published this week.

The council case officer, who unusually wasn’t named, said in the public report:

“The layout and design of the scheme is poor quality. Both urban design and landscape officers object to the scheme and the views of these consultees are given significant weight.”

They added the proposal “would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area” and “fails to provide an acceptable highways layout”. 

They also raised concerns about the amount of affordable housing, surface water drainage, biodiversity and the loss of trees with preservation orders.

Numerous statutory consultees, including North Yorkshire Council’s highways department and urban design officer arboriculturalist objected during the public consultation phase.

Keepmoat must now decide whether to appeal the decision or submit fresh plans.