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07
Feb
Knox’s ‘unique charm’ under threat from 59-home plan
Councillors have ‘strongly objected’ to plans to build 59 homes in the hamlet of Knox, on the edge of Harrogate.
Avant Homes submitted plans to build the homes on a 5.61-acre site last month.
If approved, it would bring the number of new homes in the pipeline for Knox Lane to more than 100, after Teeside developer Jomast received permission for 53 homes last year.
Harrogate Town Council’s planning committee roundly condemned the latest proposal at a meeting this week.
Cllr Graham Dixon, a Liberal Democrat who represents Harlow, described the location as “totally inappropriate” and said there had been an “overwhelming” number of objections at a public consultation event organised by Avant Homes last year.
He said the nearest bus stop was a 400 to 500-metre uphill walk and there was no shop within walking distance. The road, which becomes single track after Knox Sawmills, was “not suitable”, he added.
Spruisty Bridge
Cllr David Allardyce (Lib Dem, Bilton Grange), described Knox, which is separated by Spruisty Bridge, the former packhorse bridge crossing Oak Beck, as “secluded” and “unique”, adding:
“It has got a unique charm to it. It’s quite rural. It’s got a bit of a countryside feel to it and it would be wrong to develop it. It would also send a green light to develop that area.”
The town council objected on seven grounds, including unsuitable location, public transport accessibility, landscape character and housing mix.
The suitability of the road was questioned.
'High-quality' scheme
Avant Homes has proposed building 12 one-bedroom homes, 18 two-bedroom homes, 25 three-bedroom homes and four four-bedroom homes.
It said in planning documents it had developed “a high-quality, landscape-led development that delivers new homes in accordance with the aspirations and the expectations of North Yorkshire Council”.
Overall, the proposals represent an appropriate, policy-compliant and sustainable development within the settlement limits. They deliver much -needed housing for Harrogate in a manner that respects local character, protects residential amenity, enhances biodiversity and landscape quality, and creates a safe, inclusive and attractive place to live. It is therefore considered that the application represents a well-designed, sustainable and positive contribution to the area and should be supported.
North Yorkshire Council, which is the planning authority, will adjudicate on the proposal. Harrogate Town Council is a statutory consultee, whose views are taken into account as part of the decision-making process.
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