Andrew Jones MP calls for 138-home scheme in Knaresborough to be rejected

Andrew Jones has raised concerns in Parliament about plans to build 138 homes in Knaresborough and called for the scheme to be rejected.

The site, off Water Lane, is within the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place.

But it has attracted opposition from Knaresborough Town Council and residents, amid concerns about the proximity to Hay-a-Park gravel pits, site access and the impact on local infrastructure. Hay-a-Park is an important breeding site for goosander ducks and protected Canada geese.

Now Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Conservative MP Mr Jones has added his voice to those calling on North Yorkshire Council to refuse the scheme.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“At a time when we have enshrined in law our commitment to stop and reverse the decline in nature, development of a site within or so close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest is not acceptable.  The effect on bird species in particular concerns me.

“There are though many more reasons why this application should be rejected.”

Water Lane on the left divides the field and Hay-a-Park.

He added:

“Environmental health say that a further risk assessment is required because of the presence of gas which means that ‘residential construction would not be accepted’.

“The Ramblers point out the applicant has ignored the public right of way and strongly object to the plans.  The council highlights the need for an archaeological survey.  The highways authority say there are ‘unresolved highways issues’ and Yorkshire Water object to the application saying that ‘the layout and landscaping details are not acceptable’.

“Residents give many other reasons why the application should be rejected and I agree with them.”

Mr Jones raised the issue during a parliamentary debate on protecting green spaces on Monday.

He asked housing minister Rachel Maclean what steps she was taking to ensure “proposed sites for housing that are completely unsuitable for reasons of biodiversity or lack of access or proximity to a site of special scientific interest are not taken forward and built upon”.

Ms Maclean replied she could not comment on individual cases but it was “really important that local authorities make decisions according to their local plans”.

Third bid to build on land

Two previous plans to develop on the land, which is currently used for grazing, have been refused.

The latest proposal, however, has reduced the number of homes from the original 218 and the previous 148 to 138.

A planning statement sent to the council by Cunnane Town Planning on behalf of applicant Geoffrey Holland said 40% of homes would be classed as affordable and the scheme would include open space and a children’s play area.

A footpath across the site.

A design and access statement by Haines Phillips Architects described the scheme as “a well-balanced, landscape dominated proposal where front gardens are generous, dwellings are no longer cramped, parking or garaging no longer remote or dominant, and casual surveillance and street activity visible in all locations”.

It added:

“It results in an environment that will give a sense of place and well-being for residents.

“It is considered that the proposal does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the SSSI.

“It is a proposal of benefit in terms of architectural design, landscaping and sustainability whilst providing a strong contribution to housing needs.”

But Knaresborough Town Council has called for it to be rejected, saying the land is one of the town’s last open green spaces “and its loss will impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents of Knaresborough”.

A petition by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, has attracted more than 500 signatures.

Cllr Andy Bell (left) and resident Dave Worner on Water Lane.

Mr Bell said the development “threatens our local environment by encroaching on precious green spaces that provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to cleaner air quality”.

Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire Council, has ‘called in’ the application, which means it will be determined by elected councillors on the planning committee rather than by an unelected council officer.

Cllr Walker said this would enable the application to be “fully scrutinised by council members in an open forum”.

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