Controversy over new Harrogate village site rages on ahead of council versus developers legal battle

That is the controversial question which sparked years of fierce debate and will soon be reignited at a developers versus council legal battle later this month.

The location of the huge housing settlement became one of the most contentious components of Harrogate’s Local Plan when work on the housing blueprint started in 2014 and two areas emerged as clear front runners - Green Hammerton and Flaxby Golf Course.

The two opposing sites - just five miles apart either side of the A1(M) - formed the basis of a demi-decade long debate which still divides the district's opinion to this day.

And now, Flaxby Park Ltd - the developers behind plans for 2,750 homes at the former golf course - are set to challenge Harrogate Borough Council in the High Court over its decision to leave the proposals out of the Local Plan in favour of Green Hammerton.

Closure of Post Office in Harrogate area will only be temporary

Chris Musgrave, chief executive of Flaxby Park, said the judicial review could be a "game changer" for the future of housing in Harrogate, while the council will hope it will put an end to the long-standing debate once and for all.

Mr Musgrave said the company will argue that the council's decision was based on “flawed information of a scant, conflicting and contradictory nature” that made "no sense".

However, the council has hit back, saying it will "strongly" defend the legal challenge and that it is still pushing ahead with its plans for 3,000 homes in the Green Hammerton area.

A council spokesman said: "Through the preparation of the Local Plan, all options for the location of a new settlement have been fully explored and the chosen location judged sound by the independent inspector.

“The chosen location best responds to our strategy for growth, with two operational rail stations within the area, and provides the opportunity for the creation of a successful new community.

“Many of the arguments have been discussed at length during the examination process and we believe our decision is the correct one."

Action to be taken on 'Wembley Stadium' floodlights in Harrogate after residents protests

It comes as the council is set to launch a consultation on the exact location of its proposals for the Green Hammerton area, with three possible sites being earmarked for development.

However, it will be an uphill battle for the council as residents who have long campaigned against the plans are already not impressed with its engagement efforts.

Chris Eaton, chair of campaign group Keep Green Hammerton Green, has disputed a council claim that it had previously engaged with all stakeholders in drawing up its plans.

He said in a letter: “For your officers to say in cabinet papers that there has been some engagement is highly misleading.

“We believe that you have a moral obligation, if not a legal one, to fulfil your promise and to urgently facilitate meaningful engagement with those communities most affected by the new settlement.”

Harrogate hospital staff 'tired and anxious' but well prepared as second Covid wave looms

As well as the housing, the Green Hammerton plans include two new primary schools and employment space. The council's preferred option of the three locations is on land south of Cattal train station.

Meanwhile, the proposals for Flaxby Golf Course also include two primary schools and commercial space including a hotel.

The Flaxby application - first submitted almost three years ago - is expected to be rejected at a planning meeting on 13 October. This is separate from the judicial review which will take place on 27, 28, and 29 October in London.

If found to be unlawful, the decision on where to place the new settlement may have to be made again.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter