More than 150 object to Starbeck housing estate

Barratt Homes has submitted revised plans to build 92 houses on land in the Kingsley Road/Bogs Lane area.

The developer says the scheme would represent a £3.6m investment into the economy, as well as help to address the critical lack of affordable housing in the area.

However, objectors have raised concerns over flooding, an increase in traffic, over-development of the area and the loss of greenbelt land.

In one of 156 letters of objection to Harrogate Borough Council’s planning department, John Hansard, of Kingsley Road, said: “It is obvious that to build so many houses on this flood plain of a field is absolute folly.”

Concerned the development will increase the traffic volumes in the area, Derek Hood, of Olive Walk, said: “Bogs Lane is already Harrogate’s biggest “rat run”. It is already a highly dangerous area for cyclists and walkers.

“The updated proposal in no way tackles the issues previously raised. Specifically, nothing has been done to the narrow lane where the development proposes to exit. This is still narrow and curved and is already experiencing traffic at alarming levels, before a further 200 plus cars are added by the development.”

Peter Morris, development director at Barratt Homes Yorkshire East, said the company was committed to investing in the areas around its new developments, ensuring they “benefit the local community”.

He said: “As such we have held several meetings and a public consultation event in the local community to ensure our plans meet local needs.

“The site is at low risk in relation to flooding, however, we are still working to put measures in place in case of heavy rainfall - including working with Harrogate Borough Council to ensure our proposals facilitate the storage of excess water and restrict the rate in which water runs into Star Beck, which it currently does in an unrestricted manner.

“We are also looking to improve pedestrian safety by introducing a public footpath along Kingsley Road, as well as making improvements to local traffic calming measures .”

The plans are set to go before the council’s planning committee this month.

Cash promise for the community

The 92-home development, 40 per cent of which will be affordable housing, is expected to deliver 66 direct construction jobs, and will also include investment into the local community - with £171,000 earmarked to improve public open spaces, £217,000 for educational facilities plus an additional investment for local roads and infrastructure.

Barratt’s Peter Morris said: “Harrogate is in great need of new housing, and these 92 homes will ensure that future generations will be able to call this historical town home. With significant investment into the area in the form of new jobs and the improvement of local facilities, the development of our new site is set to have a positive impact on the larger community.”