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.
Water quality at Knaresborough Lido ranked as 'poor'
Work begins on new Harrogate school for pupils with autism
Judges score Harrogate's Christmas shop window entries
Harrogate's new Christmas song to be played first on Your Harrogate Radio
Harrogate pupils host charity toy sale to fight child bed poverty
The Duchy Hospital recognised for outstanding patient care
Guitarist returns to stage at Blues Bar after six-year hiatus
Harrogate mental health charity ball raises £33,000
New music festival set to be held at Harewood House
New classroom unveiled at Harrogate primary school
Free Christmas toys to be donated to Harrogate families in need
Tockwith Show announces new president
Knife bins to be installed in Ripon and Knaresborough
Minskip Farm Shop named among UK's best
Martial arts school scoops 39 medals at world championships
Storm Bert brings snow disruption
Painting by local artists unveiled at Harrogate Hospital
Theme revealed for Great Knaresborough Bed Race 2025
Harrogate's North Pole Post Office returns for festive season
Grants still available to improve shop fronts and accessibility in Harrogate
