Decision on new homes plan is put back again

A FINAL decision on plans to build 155 homes in Harrogate’s biggest area for new housing has been pushed back once again.

Residents living in the area between Bogs Lane, Knaresborough Road and Harrogate High School – which is already facing the construction of 700 homes – will have to wait several more weeks to find out if the latest housing plans will be allowed to move forward.

The application from property developer Richborough Estates on Kingsley Road has now been delayed four times because of legal issues, deferrals and the coronavirus lockdown.

The latest delay came when Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee deferred its decision again after raising concerns over the density of homes and the pressure it would put on the already busy roads.

During the virtual meeting councillors had been preparing a case to reject the plans until they were reminded the site has been included in the council’s Local Plan which was adopted earlier this year.

A legal officer told councillors a move to scrap the plans altogether would need strong grounds if it was to stand up at appeal.

Coun Andrew Paraskos said: “If we are stuck with the sites in the Local Plan we need to get the best out of them that we can.

“I think this needs to go away and be reworked especially on the numbers and the access, footpaths and cycleways – it all needs to be looked at.”

Before the meeting members of the Kingsley Ward Action Group had said it was “undemocratic” to hold a planning meeting virtually.

They were also concerned that there is no suitable access to public transport near the development.

Coun Pat Marsh also repeated these worries, saying the roads will be “horrendous” if the plans are approved.

The planning application will be examined again at a later date.