Harrogate residents who battled against 53 homes being built at Knox Lane have expressed their delight after councillors refused the plans on Tuesday.
Bilton residents’ delight at housing scheme refusal Harrogate residents who battled against 53 homes being built at Knox Lane have expressed their delight after councillors refused the plans on Tuesday. The application by developer Jomast was controversial with over 500 people objecting to scheme, which would have been built in a green corner of Bilton close to the picturesque Spruisty Bridge. The spectre of development has hung over the area for many years and resident Sue Wrightson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that locals were “delighted” with the result. Plans had been deferred by councillors three times before over contamination but this time it was refused over fears the increase in traffic would exacerbate congestion in Bilton and harm the local landscape. Ms Wrightson said:
“Local residents have worked very hard over the last three years to ensure that council officers were aware of the many valid reasons why this development is entirely inappropriate.”Residents in Bilton and Knox have mobilised against the scheme, holding meetings, building a website and sending out newsletters with updates. Ms Wrighton said the campaign has strengthened community spirit in the area. She added:
“We have struggled to make them listen and we are very grateful to those planning committee members who have supported our case today. “It’s been a learning curve as far as planning regulations are concerned but we have enjoyed the collaboration of several local experts. “This whole episode has really strengthened local community spirit and resolve.”While the plans were refused on Tuesday, council officer Glenn Sharpe warned councillors that because the site is in the Local Plan, a refusal could open up North Yorkshire Council to a potentially costly appeal unless they could defend it with sound planning reasons. But the developer did not submit a required travel plan with the application to set out how it would promote sustainable travel such as walking or cycling. A criticism of the scheme was that it was not close to a bus route. The LDRS has asked Jomast’s planning agent Spawforths if the developer plans to appeal but we did not receive a response. By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
North Yorkshire councillors warned jokes and banter can cause offence under new rules
Myrings celebrates another gold award at national estate agency event
New deli opens in Ripon
Spofforth children call for crossing to make school walk safer
Call for Yorkshire Water to return to public ownership after 335 pollution incidents
Harrogate retailers launch Christmas chocolate appeal for local children
Harrogate MP calls for transparency over Linton-on-Ouse asylum plans
Pub near Knaresborough named among top 100 in UK
Knaresborough cricket and football clubs join forces in new partnership
Harrogate Taekwondo Academy wins 13 medals at British championships
New pizza and fried chicken takeaway opens in Harrogate
Comedian Maisie Adam returns to former Harrogate school
190-home Ripon estate proposed with 76 affordable properties
Who will take over Alpamare? Questions remain after Flamingo Land departure
Developer says 140-home Killinghall scheme could help fund village infrastructure
Employment law expo to help Harrogate businesses prepare for changes
Martin House hosts accessible music festival for young people
New hearing hub opens at Specsavers in Ripon
Details revealed for Ripon City Bonfire
Date announced for next Harrogate Food and Drink Festival
