Developers revise plans for former factory site

The original proposals for the former Dunlopillo site in Pannal would have seen the land used for a mix of 150 homes, office and retail accommodation, but the scheme was turned down on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate.

Developers from Forward Investments have now submitted fresh proposals to Harrogate Borough Council to transform the site – with 100 family homes, higher quality employment premises and a small-scale retail development.

The planning application also includes proposals for community facilities, better car parking linked to the railway station and access from the A61, south of Spacey View.

A spokesman for Forward Investments claimed the re-development of the brownfield site would take the pressure away from green belt land in the town and "save it from the bulldozers".

He added: "We are seeking a blend of accommodation which is largely driven by the economic and housing markets. We will only develop the site if the council agrees to this proposal."

The developers had appealed against a decision by the council to refuse the application for the former factory site on Station Road in Pannal.

But one of the Government's planning inspectors decided there was no overriding reason to build homes on the site as a five-year supply of land for housing had been identified by the council in its planning blueprint.

The council had also claimed that the land was most suitable for employment because of its proximity to rail and road links.