A decision on 120 homes on the outskirts of Knaresborough has been deferred to the chief planner by Harrogate councillors.
Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee met yesterday on Zoom and cited concerns from residents over footpaths and a lack of trees facing Boroughbridge Road.
Castleford-based developers Galliford Try Partnerships Yorkshire has proposed a mix of 2,3 and 4-bedroom homes on the site in Scriven, which forms housing allocation K37 under HBC’s Local Plan.
48 of the homes will be classed as “affordable” and will contribute to the district’s need for building 208 additional affordable homes per year, HBC said.
Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee meets on Zoom.
After concerns over pressure on local infrastructure were raised following the submission of Outline Planning Permission, the developers reduced the number of homes from 146 to 120.
The development faced an objection from Scriven Parish Council who said it will result in “saturation” for Knaresborough town and its facilities.
The objection said:
“Knaresborough is under tremendous pressure and the historic market town, which all the residents recognise and enjoy, is being destroyed by over development.
“Currently, there appears to be no provision for additional educational facilities or doctors surgeries to cater for this major influx of population.”
Parish councillor Miranda Armitage spoke to the Committee and said the proposals should be revised to add a mini-roundabout which would make access to the site safer.
She said:
“The entrance/exit is totally inadequate and downright dangerous.”
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A report from HBC said overall the benefits of the development “significantly and demonstrably” outweigh any harm for the area.
Speaking to the Committee on behalf of the developer, Stephen Hughes, said they are happy to look at the changes suggested by the Committee.
He added:
“It’s a key scheme for us, representing an investment of £25million. Despite an unprecedented economic backdrop we see this as a significant scheme.”