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25
Nov 2024
Verdict issued on Crimple Valley housing scheme appeal
A controversial application to build new housing in the Crimple Valley has been turned down by the Planning Inspectorate on appeal.
The proposed development at the bottom of Almsford Bank, in woodland overlooking Crimple Viaduct, envisaged 17 residential dwellings – made up of seven affordable homes and 10 self- or custom-build plots.
In a decision published on Friday, the inspector wrote that the benefits of the new self-build and custom housebuilding plots would outweigh any one or two of the negative aspects associated with them, but added:
Nevertheless, taken as a whole, I find that the conflict with countryside policy, and the harm to the Crimple Valley special landscape area, trees, the public right of way, the setting of the Crimple viaduct and to highway safety would outweigh the benefits of new self-build and custom housebuilding plots, affordable housing and additional employment.
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The appeal marked the latest attempt by Square Feet Ltd and Antela Developments Ltd to get their Almsford Stables scheme off the ground, following two previous applications, which they withdrew.
The companies originally planned 65 homes for the site in 2018, but later cut this down to 35 homes. That application drew 107 letters of objection to Harrogate Borough Council, and the firms withdrew it in November 2021.
A new application to build 35 homes – 14 affordable homes, seven starter homes and 14 self-build and custom housebuilding plots – elicited 247 letters of objection and was rejected in November 2022.
The latest application was turned down in September 2023, when North Yorkshire Council said it would “erode the distinct character” of the Crimple Valley.
It had received 362 objections from individuals and organisations including Harrogate Civic Society , the Ramblers' Association, and Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council.
Many of the objections came from local residents, but not all are opposed – the applicants are Square Feet Ltd, which, according to Companies House, is owned by Mark and Rachel Thompson, of nearby Fulwith Mill, and Antela Developments Ltd, a company run by Craig and Gillian Eastwood, who live just around the corner at Fulwith Manor.
The Stray Ferret has approached Leeds-based ID Planning, which is handling the applicants' case, to ask if the two companies intend to submit a fresh application.
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