Consultation launched on where to build 3,000 homes between Harrogate and York

Harrogate Borough Council has launched a consultation on three site options for the huge housing settlement near Green Hammerton and Cattal so it can push forward with the controversial project.

However, campaigning locals had raised "grave concerns" over the consultation process even before it started.

Members of campaign group Keep Green Hammerton Green said council claims that there has previously been “targeted engagement” with residents are "highly misleading".

Council officials have said residents' views will be "vitally important" to the scheme which also includes two primary schools, shops and a doctors’ surgery.

'Not good enough': Harrogate council leader opposes talks to move all of Yorkshire into Tier 2 lockdown

The council's preferred option is on land south of Cattal train station, while the second potential site is north of the railway line between Cattal and Hammerton train stations.

The final option is an area also north of the railway line, with the majority of the development located south of the A59.

The council said the settlement will provide "much-needed" homes, employment and public transport links. It added a Development Plan Document (DPD) will help shape the design and delivery of the scheme.

A revised outline planning application for the settlement to be called Maltkiln Village was submitted to the council in February.

It includes one to five bedroom homes, as well as bungalows and apartments.

The consultation will run until 11 December.

To have your say go to https://consult.harrogate.gov.uk/kse/event/35674

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter