Fears for sought-after location over plans for 800 new homes

Members of Harrogate Borough Council will be asked to consider two outline applications from developers when they meet this week which between them propose nearly 800 homes are built to meet the demand from those who are keen to live in the Knaresborough area.

One is for around 170 homes on a site off Boroughbridge Road and a second includes plans for up to 600 homes on a site at Manse Farm, Knaresborough.

Council bosses have received more than 100 letters of objection to Gladman Developments’ plans for a residential development on agricultural land off Boroughbridge Road.

Objectors raise a number of concerns including fears the development would spoil the rural approach to the nearby village of Scriven and Knaresborough.

The developer is only seeking outline permission at this stage but expects the site would offer 170 homes.

Objectors include Scriven Parish Council, which fears the development would have a huge impact on the setting of the village of Scriven. Other concerns include the loss of agricultural land and the fact the land is not earmarked for development in the council’s Local Development Plan (LDP), which sets out suitable sites for future development.

Coun Ivor Fox (Con, Knaresborough Scriven Park) said he was concerned because it would be built on prime agricultural land and in an area where there were not enough school places and adequate roads. The site would offer much-needed affordable housing but officers are recommending the plans are thrown out when councillors meet tomorrow.

A report to be considered by members of the council’s planning committee says: “The proposed development of this prominent site on one of the main approaches into Knaresborough would as a consequence of its size and location result in a detrimental and incongruous extension of built development into the open countryside.”

Some locals were concerned that too many homes are being built in such a small area.

But Coun Fox said: “The problem is that within the LDP we have to find housing for over 700 new homes to comply with the plan within the Knaresborough area which is a huge number of houses which have to be accommodated.

“The problem that we have got, and its a nice problem in some ways, is that Knaresborough is a desirable place to live.

“Basically current demand is outstripping supply but any 
development needs to be carefully considered and we must 
have new supportive infrastructure.”

Officers are recommending that a second application for up to 600 homes at Manse Farm, Knaresborough, is backed by councillors. They are recommended to defer a decision to the council’s senior planning officer subject to conditions being agreed.

Commercial Estates Projects is also seeking outline planning permission for a primary school and space for offices and use by light industry.

The site is included in a list of sites suitable for development. The developer will offer affordable housing and plans to provide a neighbourhood centre.

Objectors include Knaresborough Town Council which says the development is “too large” and too far out of town and will lead to more traffic congestion.

Sixty letters of objection have also been received raising concerns it represents “excessive development in a single location” and expressing fears any affordable housing would go to people from outside the district.