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Sept 2023

Last Updated: 18/10/2023

Environment

Knaresborough Town Council calls for 138-home scheme to be rejected

by John Plummer

| 11 Sept, 2023

Knaresborough Town Council has called for a scheme to build 138 homes alongside a site of special scientific interest to be rejected.

Hay-a-Park gravel pits is regarded as an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

Plans have been submitted to build the homes on two fields currently used for grazing on the other side of Water Lane to the gravel pits.

In its submission to North Yorkshire Council, which will decide whether to allow the scheme, the town council said:

"This is one of the last open green spaces used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and joggers where the countryside and clean air can still be enjoyed in Knaresborough and its loss will impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Knaresborough."

The town council listed 15 reasons for declining the scheme, which include concerns about land contamination on the former landfill site and pressure on local GPs and schools.

It also said:

"Access to the site through Mint Garth/Stirling Chase/Old Penny Gate/Florin Drive is not a viable option as these houses were built with onsite parking for one car."

A petition started by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, has attracted more than 500 signatures, which qualifies it to be debated by North Yorkshire Council's Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises the Conservative-controlled council.

Cllr Bell said there had been six housing developments within about a 15-minute walk of Water Lane in the last five years and his main concerns about the latest proposal were the suggested access route through a housing estate and the proximity to the SSSI. He said:

"This development threatens our local environment by encroaching on precious green spaces that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to cleaner air quality.

"The increased traffic will inevitably lead to higher levels of air pollution in an area that should be cherished for its fresh air and natural surroundings."

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire Council, has 'called in' the application, which means it will be determined by elected councillors on the planning committee rather than by an unelected council officer.

Cllr Walker told the Stray Ferret he had concerns about the SSSI, access and the design of the scheme.

He added calling in the application would enable it to be "fully scrutinised by council members in an open forum".

Dave Worner, whose home overlooks the proposed site, said:

"One of the main reasons we moved here was because it was on the edge of the countryside.

"I can sit and watch hundreds of people walking. It would cause significant harm to the surrounding area."

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Site allocated for planning

Previous plans for 218 homes and 148 homes on the fields have been rejected.

However, the site is situated within the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where local development can take place.

A planning statement sent to the council by Cunnane Town Planning on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland, said the scheme would create 138 homes with associated access, parking, open space and a children’s play area.

"The proposal is for a mix of affordable and market dwellings of which 40% would be affordable and 60% would be open market.

Because the site is in the local plan, it says the principle of development has been established and "there are no material considerations which would indicate that the development plan should be set aside" and "therefore planning permission should be granted for the scheme without delay".

A design and access statement by Haines Phillips Architects sent to the council said:

"The submission now presents a well-balanced, landscape dominated proposal where front gardens are generous, dwellings are no longer cramped, parking or garaging no longer remote or dominant, and casual surveillance and street activity visible in all locations.

"It results in an environment that will give a sense of place and well-being for residents.

"It is considered that the proposal does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the SSSI.

"It is a proposal of benefit in terms of architectural design, landscaping and sustainability whilst providing a strong contribution to housing needs."

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Knaresborough Town Council calls for 138-home scheme to be rejected

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Site allocated for planning