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21
May 2021
Spofforth residents 'not surprised' by 72 homes appeal
A leading figure in the fight against plans to build 72 homes in Spofforth has urged the government to reject it as the battle was reignited this week.
Yorkshire Housing has challenged Harrogate Borough Council’s decision to reject its proposal for the site on Massey Fold.
The developer already has outline permission to build on the site but councillors turned down an application for appearance and landscaping in November.
Chris Heslop, a third-generation farmer and parish councillor in the village, said the development would turn the village into a “carbuncle of urban sprawl” when it went before the council.
Speaking yesterday, he said he wasn't surprised Yorkshire Housing had challenged the decision, which will now be decided by the government's Planning Inspectorate.
Mr Heslop said:
Read more:
Spofforth: a broken planning system that’s failed a village
Controversial 72-home Spofforth development refused
- Developers challenge Spofforth 72-home refusal
More than 300 local people and organisations, including Natural England and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, have raised concerns about the scheme.
In its decision notice, the council said the plan would have a “detrimental urbanising impact upon the character and setting of Spofforth”.
But, in a statement of case by planning lawyers Walton & Co, which is representing the developers, said the “solitary” reason for refusal was “expressed in generic language”.
It said:
A decision on the appeal will be made by the government at a later date.
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