Harrogate: Plan for 200 new homes gets final approval

Countryside Properties is set to build 184 homes and convert several buildings into an additional 16 properties

Plans to create 200 new homes on the site of a former police training centre in Harrogate have been given final approval.

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

Councillors gave the go-ahead at a meeting on Tuesday after assurances were made on the developer's construction and transport plans.

Police moved out of the site in 2011 as part of austerity cuts.

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

Alastair Curran, speaking on behalf of the developer, told the Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee meeting the scheme went "far above" policy requirements.

The developer would plant an additional 347 trees on site as part of biodiversity requirements, he said.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the scale of housebuilding and the knock-on effect it would have on traffic congestion, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor John Mann, who represents Oatlands & Pannal on North Yorkshire Council, said Harrogate was already "congestion city" and the scheme would make the problem worse.

Mr Curran told the meeting that the developer would consult with the local parish council and Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents Association on its construction and transport plans.