Public gets say on huge homes plan

THE public response to controversial plans to build thousands of homes in towns and villages across the Harrogate district, is to be published tomorrow.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Feb 2011, 12:00 BST

More than 1,000 people have responded to Harrogate Council’s proposals to build thousands of new homes and 921 in rural areas alone over the next 14 years, to address a critical lack of affordable housing across the district.

Some of the proposals, particularly around Pateley Bridge and Pannal where hundreds of new homes could be constructed, have sparked an outcry from residents.

Now the response to consultation in rural areas – one of the largest ever undertaken in the area – is to be published on the council’s website tomorrow.

Coun Jim Clark, cabinet member for planning, transport and economic development, said: “These are currently being assessed before any final decisions are taken.”

Harrogate Council has set a housing growth target of more than 5,000 new homes – 390 each year up to 2023-24.

The urban consultation around Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, is due to take place in the autumn.