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Dec 2022

Last Updated: 28/12/2022

Environment

NHS objects to planned 1,300-home development on Ripon barracks

by Calvin Robinson

| 29 Dec, 2022

A computer generated image of the proposed Ripon Barracks site

NHS managers in North Yorkshire have objected to a proposed 1,300-home scheme on the Ripon barracks site due to funding concerns for local healthcare.

The scheme, which has been submitted by government housing agency Homes England, would see houses built on the site off Clotherholme Road.

The Clotherholme development would encompass Claro Barracks, Deverell Barracks and Laver Banks.

The proposal was submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in September 2020.

However, in a letter to the authority, NHS Humber & North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board has objected to the plan.

Andrew Dangerfield, head of primary care transformation at the organisation, said the method used by Homes England to assess healthcare need as a result of the new homes was “at odds” with the NHS.

He added that the developer had offered "zero" section 106 contributions to help mitigate demand as a result of increased population due to the scheme.

Mr Dangerfield said:

“The ICB is concerned about Homes England’s overall approach to health, they have sought to provide zero S106 contributions towards the provision of healthcare infrastructure on a development of significant scale (circa 3,000 people), using a methodology which is at odds with the NHS commissioners and local healthcare partners.

“The ICB, who has direct expert knowledge of the local surgeries in the area and is responsible for the commissioning of healthcare services have consistently outlined that the existing practices do not have capacity to absorb the population created by the 1,300 homes coming forward as part of this application, and therefore have requested mitigation in the form of a S106 contribution.”

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Plans submitted for 1,300-home Ripon development

Mr Dangerfield added that should no contributions towards healthcare be made, then the development “cannot be considered sustainable”.

In October 2020, NHS North Yorkshire CCG - which preceded the integrated care board - said in a letter to the borough council that it was seeking £553,128 from Homes England in contributions to health.

The Stray Ferret has asked Homes England to comment on the concerns, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

The planned homes in Ripon will include a significant number of two- and three-bedroom mid-range houses and will include apartments in the centre.

It also includes a community centre, employment space, shops, parkland, a new primary school and sports facilities.

A decision on the scheme is expected to be made by Harrogate Borough Council at a later date.

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NHS objects to planned 1,300-home development on Ripon barracks

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