The Knaresborough Community Land Trust is hoping to develop a disused area in the town centre to provide three flats as affordable housing.

The group, made up of volunteers, says there isn’t enough affordable housing for key workers to live close to work.

The site for the group’s first project is at the bottom of the high street near the roundabout for Boroughbridge Road.

It is currently owned by Harrogate Borough Council but could be sold to the land trust under the proviso it was made into affordable housing.

Previously a public toilet and an air raid shelter the trust feel it is a good spot for accommodation as it is in a residential area and has nearby travel links.

(Left) The ground floor plans of the building and its proposed stret view (right). Photograph: Bauman Lyons Architects.

Hilary Garner, secretary of Knaresborough Community Lands Trust, said:

“We need the housing in Knaresborough – we have a lot of care workers and professionals but there isn’t the affordable housing.

“Any profit made goes back into the next project. We aren’t looking to build social housing because that is taken up by the big housing associations. This is to provide for the town’s population.

We all care very much about keeping Knaresborough alive. This is about catering for the population that lives here and catering for the young people too.”

The plans – as they stand – will include a bus shelter with a ‘living’ roof and maintain the public access to the buildings at the rear. Seven trees will have to be felled and 14 others will be planted elsewhere in the town.

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On Monday, November 9, the plans were discussed at Knaresborough Town Council planning meeting.

A resident and some town councillors voiced concern about the look of the building:

“KTC is unhappy about the colour of the finished building. Design is not in keeping with the Grade II listed buildings next door and nearby. Given the very prominent location within the conservation area this needs to be revisited. KTC is very concerned about the removal of seven trees.

“This particular development as a whole is unsuitable for the land and surrounding area.”

The resident, living near to the site, said the development would have a “detrimental effect” on their property.

“We congratulate the Community Land Trust on producing an innovative design that respects the conservation area setting of the site and reflects the surrounding historic buildings without trying to imitate them.

“It is exciting to see a community led development bring affordable housing of this quality to the centre of Knaresborough.”

The current plans are yet to be agreed by Harrogate Borough Council as they’re open for public consultation until December, 5.