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17
Feb 2022
A heated meeting in Starbeck last night saw local residents question Persimmon Homes about controversial plans to build 181 homes on Kingsley Drive.
The meeting was organised by Kingsley Ward Action Group, a residents' group formed four years ago to fight the wave of housing applications in the area.
Around 100 people packed into St Andrew's Church for the meeting, which was chaired by Liberal Democrat district and county council councillor for Starbeck, Philip Broadbank.
Three Persimmon employees attended, as did two highways consultants and a planning consultant, who spoke on behalf of the developer.
Planning consultant Paul Butler, from PB Planning, gave a brief presentation on behalf of Persimmon that outlined its latest plans for the site.
It's the third time the developer has brought forward plans at this location, which used to form part of Kingsley Farm.
When it was refused by the council in August, Kingsley Ward Conservative councillor Nigel Middlemass called the scheme "the biggest and worst thought out housing site in the area".
The new application is yet to be validated by the council but Mr Butler said it should be live on Harrogate Borough Council's planning portal in March, when the public will be able to submit their comments.
The number of homes has been reduced from 217 to 181.
Mr Butler said the amended scheme offered increased open space, widened footpaths and more trees.
Ian Greaves said:
Highways consultant Geoff Bowman, from Bryan G Hall, defended the methodology used by Persimmon.
He said:
Another resident said:
Carl Good said:
In response, Graham Whiteford, from Persimmon Homes, said the developer was "fairly proud of this scheme".
He added:
Photo caption: (Left to right) Paul Butler (PB Planning), Graham Whiteford (Persimmon), Josh Popely (Persimmon), Cllr Philip Broadbank, Catherine Maguire (KWAG) and Chris Watt (Starbeck Residents' Association)
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