Delay on decision about 170 new homes near Harrogate High School

Mystery man puts £6,000 behind Harrogate bar for customers to enjoy

Richborough Estates applied to Harrogate Council for outline planning permission for the development, with borders a site which is subject to a separate application from Persimmon Homes for 244 dwellings.

The borough council’s planning committee met on Tuesday (28th) and voted to defer a decision until next month as councillors wanted to hear from the education authority and the county’s Highways agency.

A report prepared for the planning committee stated: “This site largely comprises of agricultural land and is located between the existing permitted residential development sites at Kingsley Farm, the Harrogate to Starbeck railway line and the grounds of Harrogate High School.

“The proposal would contribute to maintaining the district’s housing land supply and assist in maintaining the supply both in terms of open market and affordable units.”

Of the homes, 68 (40%) would be classed as affordable.

A total 76 letters of objection had been sent to the council with concerns ranging from issues with construction traffic, the negative impact on property prices in the area and the crime rate and the impact on wildlife.

The planning committee will meet again on February 18 to reconsider the plan.

Carl Gavaghan , Local Democracy Reporting Service