Plans for 1,300 home village at Ripon Barracks submitted in major step towards construction

Homes England - the government's housing agency - has formally submitted proposals to Harrogate Borough Council which is now seeking the views of residents before a final decision is made in early 2021.

Trevor Watson, the council's director of economy and culture, said the redevelopment of the former army base is a "key priority" for the district.

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The plans were first revealed by Homes England and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) more than a year ago as part of plans to develop vacant military land across the country.

The settlement - to be called Clotherholme - would take 13 years to build and include a primary school, sports field, shops and homes for the elderly.

The planned homes would be made up of a "significant" number of two and three-bedroom houses, as well as apartments, Homes England said.

The proposals have already been met with objections from Ripon residents who are worried about the impact of hundreds of more vehicles on the city's roads.

Ripon City Council has also criticised a transport assessment carried out by Homes England - and MP Julian Smith previously said the government body could have done more to consult with residents.

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Catherine Davies, DIO head of estates, said: "This is the first site to be developed as part of our partnership with Homes England and it is exciting to have reached this significant milestone following a range of consultation with the local community."

Marie Kiddell, head of planning and enabling at Homes England, added: "The validation of this planning application is a major step towards creating Clotherholme and helping meet local housing needs, 3 of the homes will be affordable alongside those for sale on the open market.

“As well as homes our application includes all the local infrastructure the new community will need including a primary school, sports pitches, a dedicated employment zone and local retail facilities.”

If the plans are approved, construction could start by summer 2022 and be completed by 2035.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter