Frustration over Local Plan amid a ‘feeding frenzy’ of applications
A HIGHLY controversial housing development in North Yorkshire has been approved despite fears it was the latest in a “feeding frenzy” of rushed proposals by developers.
Councillors debated for two hours before eventually approving the application for 175 properties at Bar Lane in Knaresborough, despite concerns over traffic, pollution and over-development around the market town.
Members of Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee repeatedly expressed their frustration at the lack of a Local Plan to guide planning decisions. Consultations on the district’s draft plan, which will set out a long-term vision for development, are due to begin next week.
Voting in favour of the application, Coun Nigel Simms said the lack of framework meant he would have to support it, but added: “The fact is we don’t have a Local JIM CLARKE: Said he could not support a plan that was part of a ‘feeding frenzy’ of applications.
Plan so therefore we have to go work with the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) as the Government has written it down, and I can’t see anything wrong with it.”
His views were echoed by Coun Pat Marsh, who also supported the proposal.
“I too have struggled with this because I can’t find any reasons to refuse it. Until we can get this Local Plan over the line we are in a position (where we) have to approve them. I’m left with what else can I refuse this on?” she said.
However, Coun Jim Clarke said he could not support what he viewed as the latest in a “feeding frenzy” of applications ahead of a Local Plan being adopted.
“I feel for this to be pushed in at the last minute, just before we start consideration of our Local Plan – I think it’s rather jumping the gun,” he said. “I think there has been a feeding frenzy of applications to get them in before the actual Local Plan goes.”
Motions to reject or defer the proposal were lost during the debate with the original motion for approval eventually being backed, with the added condition of extra access for pedestrians and cyclists.