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Feb

Last Updated: 09/02/2024

Taylor Wimpey to reveal plans for 402 homes in Knaresborough

by John Plummer

| 12 Feb, 2024

Taylor Wimpey is to hold a public consultation event tomorrow (Tuesday, February 13) to discuss plans to build 402 homes in Knaresborough.

The housebuilder is set to submit a planning application for a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom homes at York Road, close to the 600-home Manse Farm development.

The prospect of 1,000 new homes has reignited concerns about the volume of housing being built along the A59 to the east of the town centre and whether local services can cope.

Taylor Wimpey said the development, known as Highfield Farm, "will provide much needed housing in the borough" and boost local businesses by creating extra customers.

Its website added a Section 106 legal agreement with North Yorkshire Council would "cover any required improvements to the existing and local infrastructure and services as well as community projects".

Its added:

"We have also proposed an extensive open space, with footpath and vehicle links throughout, linking the development to the surrounding wider area."

The consultation exhibition will take place at the Trinity Fields sales centre on York Road from 3pm to 7pm on February 13.

'Additional pressure'

North Yorkshire County Council unveiled plans in 2020 to open primary schools in Knaresborough and Northallerton “to serve housing growth”.

The Stray Ferret reported last month that the school in Northallerton, where the council is based, is due to open in autumn this year.

But no work has taken place in Knaresborough, where the school was supposed to cater predominantly for newcomers on the Manse Farm and Highfield Farm estates. A second proposed opening date of September 2024 looks certain to be missed. There has also been no progress on a community centre.

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire Council, said:

"If this development is approved it will put additional pressure on the town's schools, doctors and other services and the right infrastructure must first be put in place.

"The developer hasn’t delivered on the building of the community centre that was in the original scheme. It’s disappointing that North Yorkshire Council is dragging its feet and has made no progress on the building of the primary school."

The council will decide whether to approve the planning application when it is submitted. However, the proposal is on land currently allocated for housing.

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Taylor Wimpey to reveal plans for 402 homes in Knaresborough

'Additional pressure'

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