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15
Apr
Millions of pounds loaned to support new housing in Harrogate
More than 2,000 new homes to the west of Harrogate look set to be supported with a £6.8 million grant to fund associated infrastructure, including roads and schools.
North Yorkshire Council's ruling Conservative executive today (April 15) agreed to accept an interest-free loan from Homes England’s Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund.
The loan will kickstart the transport and education elements that are due to accompany the new housing.
Three planning applications for new homes have already been approved in west Harrogate and another is pending, with a start on site expected this year.
The current Local Plan for the area has identified sites for new housing, employment and schools as well as transport provision and open spaces.
These elements are normally part-funded through Section 106 money paid by developers as part of any project to fund infrastructure.
The Homes England money will allow the council to fund these elements of the scheme at an early stage and will be repaid as it progresses and developer contributions are received.
Cllr Mark Crane, the council's executive member for open to business, said:
Securing this £6,780,994 from Homes England would allow us to fund the early delivery of the infrastructure essential in any large-scale development – including schools and transport links such as walking and cycling provision.
We want to help create sustainable new communities, places that existing and future residents can be proud of from the very moment they move in.
Cllr Crane said the council has been working with developers on proposals for about 2,000 new homes and associated facilities and services, including primary schools, local centres, sports pitches, open spaces, bus routes, footpaths and cycleways.
He added the funding will enable the council to "show how we are able to work with the development industry and Homes England to support high quality schemes with infrastructure at their heart".
The loan is now due to considered for approval by Homes England.
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