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24
Jun 2020
Ripon housing development refused
Harrogate councillors have refused a 38-home development in Ripon, citing concerns around the number of homes proposed and its impact on a nearby Grade 2 listed building.
Meeting virtually yesterday on Zoom and streamed live on YouTube, Harrogate Borough Council's Planning Committee refused a full planning permission application from developer Newett Homes by a near-unanimous decision.
The site is designated for development within HBC's Local Plan but was criticised for being almost double the suggested yield of 20.
Mr James Mortimer, owner of the Grade 2 listed Prospect House, which stands around 30 metres away from the proposed development told the Committee that the homes would bring "substantial harm" to Prospect House.
He said:
However, Richard Mowatt, speaking on behalf of the developers, told the Committee that the development will have "environmental, societal and economic" benefits for the area.
Read more:
- Bilton homes would be ‘catastrophic’ for environment, residents say
- Major Harrogate housing scheme blocked for second time
Cllr Pat Marsh objected to the plans calling it a "compromise" due to the density of the site. She also said the 15 affordable homes were not enough.
She said:
She also criticised the plans for not being environmentally friendly.
She added:
Responding, HBC housing officer Kate Williams, said affordable housing targets in the Local Plan are not "prescriptive". She also said in Ripon there's more of a demand for more 2 and 3 bedroom housing for market.
Other objections raised at the Committee included worries over a sinkhole in the woodland to the east of the site.
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