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13
May
Developer to seek costs over Knox Lane housing appeal
A developer behind an appeal to build 53 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate will seek costs from North Yorkshire Council.
Councillors on the authority’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee rejected plans for the homes off the street in the Bilton area in September last year.
Teesside developer Jomast has appealed to the government’s Planning Inspectorate after it said the plans were recommended for approval by council officers on four separate occasions.
A public inquiry into the matter is due to be held on July 23 and is expected to last for five days. A venue is yet to be confirmed.
The Planning Inspectorate will then make a decision at a later date.
Knox Lane
Meanwhile, the developer has applied to be awarded costs as part of its appeal.
In documents submitted to the government, Patrick Stone, of planning agent Spawforths which is representing Jomast, said the authority “demonstrated unreasonable behaviour” during the planning process.
He said:
The move means the council could face high costs if it loses on appeal.
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The council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area planning committee rejected the application in September 2023.
A 45-page report by council case officer Andy Hough before the meeting said the application was “considered to now be in compliance with development plan policy” and should be approved.
But councillors cited concerns about land contamination and the lack of a travel plan to go against Mr Hough’s recommendation. The site is alongside a narrow cul-de-sac and not close to a bus route.
Cllr Paul Haslam, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, spoke on behalf of residents at the meeting. He said:
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