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Duchy homes bid likely to be blocked
CONSTRUCTION of 13 houses at a popular tennis club on Harrogate's exclusive Duchy Estate is likely to be blocked because no firm plan exists for alternative sports facilities.
Spa Lawn Tennis Club and Carter Jonas are seeking planning permission for eight semi-detached homes, a detached house and a terrace of four units on 1.2 acres of land off Kent Drive owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.
Kent Road to the south of the site is characterised by substantial detached stone-built houses in extensive grounds which Harrogate Council's planners say gives the Duchy Estate its "Arcadian character".
Harrogate Civic Society is among 40 objectors to the scheme. It says the development is over-intensive for the Duchy Estate. "We do not believe that this development is the right one for this site."
Development of the site is intended to finance construction of new sports facilities at Harrogate High School, but Sports England has commented that no firm proposals have been submitted as part of the bid. Sports England suggests a legal agreement should be signed to ensure the tennis courts are not developed for housing before replacement sports facilities are built and in use.
A council conservation and design officer says the scheme has been adjusted so that it does not harm the character or appearance of the conservation area.
Planning officer Roger France says changes to the plans have improved the relationship with terrace houses in Oakdale Rise but there would only be 18 metres between windows.
He says the tennis club is allocated as recreation open space in the Local Plan and redevelopment would only be acceptable if satisfactory replacement facilities were available. In the absence of firm proposals the project was in conflict with the council's policies and he has recommended refusal.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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