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28
Aug
Concern over lack of speed camera contribution in 210-home plan near Spofforth
Concern has been raised over the lack of a speed camera as part of major plans to build 210 homes on the North Yorkshire border.
The 13-hectare site lies within the former Harrogate district – so legally in North Yorkshire – but in practice would form an extension of Wetherby, which is in West Yorkshire and served by Leeds City Council.
The land, to the north of the A661 road between Harrogate and Wetherby, abuts the edge of the Spofforth Park residential development by Bellway at Ingbarrow Gate.
Hallam Land Management, which is based in Sheffield, submitted the proposal to North Yorkshire Council in June 2025.
The plan has proved controversial and attracted hundreds of objections from residents who are concerned about the impact on traffic and the character of the area.
Councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee deferred a decision on the plans at a meeting on August 11 amid late representations on the proposals.
Now, Leeds City Council has raised concern that a report at the meeting did not include whether any contribution would be made for a speed camera on Spofforth Hill near to the site.
A661 Spofforth Hill. Image: JThomas.
The council had previously requested that a camera be placed on the A661 as part of highways contributions from the developer.
However, in a letter to North Yorkshire Council, Lisa Brannan, of the city council’s transport development services, said it appeared that the introduction of a speed camera near the housing site was an “unresolved issue”.
She said:
My understanding is that the developer has agreed to provide this [contribution towards a camera], it is shown in the approved highways works drawing, yet the panel report does not include this S106 contribution.
Councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee are expected to discuss the plan at a later date after the proposal was deferred at a previous meeting.
The land, to the north of the A661 road between Harrogate and Wetherby, abuts the edge of the Spofforth Park residential development by Bellway at Ingbarrow Gate.
In a planning statement supporting the application, development consultancy Lichfields, acting on behalf of the applicants, pointed out that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.
However, residents submitted more than 360 letters of objections against the proposal.
Many objectors said the plan would see residents rely on Wetherby for roads, schools and amenities rather than North Yorkshire. One resident said the scheme would lead to "the death of Wetherby”.
Leeds City Council also objected to the plan and raised concern that the site would primarily affect Wetherby’s housing need.
In the report before a council planning committee meeting, Sam Binney, case officer at North Yorkshire Council, pointed out that the area had a “a significant shortfall in housing land supply”.
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