Detailed plans for 145 homes in Ripon heading for final approval despite pleas for changes

The proposals to extend Harron Homes' Bishop's Glade development by another 145 properties were today, Thursday, narrowly voted through by Harrogate Borough Council's planning committee.

Construction has already started at the site after outline plans were first given the go-ahead in 2017.

The fresh proposals include an extra six "affordable" homes and will now need a final stamp of approval from the council's chief planner after finer details are hashed out.

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But even with the additional six homes, some councillors pleaded for many more one, two and three-bedroom properties to be re-sketched into the blueprint.

Coun Robert Windass said the amount of space given to larger homes is "over the top".

He said: "It is all profit for the developer - they are not particularly concerned about the mix of housing as long as they get the maximum yield from that site".

Coun Nigel Simms added: "We have got 85 four-beds or above on a total of 145. That is just far too many large houses on this site."

There were also concerns over the spread of the "affordable" homes, with councillors warning the site layout will create "ghettos" of tightly-packed properties.

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An agent for the developers told councillors the mix of property types has been adjusted to meet demand in the market.

He also said the spread of "affordable" homes meets the council's planning policy.

Speaking out against the plans, Coun Pat Marsh: "I am very concerned at the housing mix at this site and I am very concerned that when we were shown the distribution I felt there were ghettos being formed.

"All in all, I feel very strongly that maybe we are being led by the developer on this one."

The plans were approved by councillors with six votes for and five against, with one abstention.

Harron Homes will contribute just under £1.5million to Ripon’s community and infrastructure as part of a deal with the council.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter

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