Harrogate: Plans for 200 new homes to go before councillors

Countryside Properties wants to build 184 new homes and converting several buildings into an additional 16 properties

Plans to build 200 new homes on the site of a former police training centre in Harrogate will go before councillors next week.

Developer Countryside Properties was given outline planning permission to build at Yew Tree Lane in 2021.

But, construction cannot begin until issues around appearance, landscaping, layout and access are resolved.

Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee is due to consider the plans on Tuesday.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the reserved matters have been recommended for approval.

The developer's plans include building 184 new homes and converting several buildings on the site into an additional 16 properties.

The firm said 60 homes would be classed as affordable.

Access will be via the existing entrance on Yew Tree Lane and a cycle lane has also been proposed through the site for residents to use as well as a village green.

The government's housing agency, Homes England, which is working with Countryside Properties on the scheme, initially won permission for 161 homes but it was increased to 200 after councillors agreed to let it build on former sports pitches, despite public opposition.

Former Harrogate councillor and Pannal Ash Junior Football Club life president Cliff Trotter described the move at the time as "absolutely scandalous".

To make up for the loss of sports pitches, the public body offered £595,000 towards Pannal Community Park on Leeds Road through a section 106 agreement that was backed by Sport England.

Eight objections have been received for the reserved matters plans, including from Harrogate Civic Society, Harlow & Pannal Ash Residents' Association, Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council and Zero Carbon Harrogate.

Countryside Properties has stated in planning documents: "The development at Yew Tree Lane will provide an attractive, high-quality designed environment to live.

"The scale and character of the proposals will ensure that the scheme will contribute to and enhance the immediate and surrounding area."