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13
May 2021
Bilton car park could be converted into council houses
Plans to convert a car park in Bilton into council housing have been sent back to the drawing board.
Harrogate Borough Council’s housing team wants to build the two-bed properties near Dene Park and Woodfield Road to provide what it described as “much-needed” accommodation for some of the hundreds of people on the social housing waiting list.
Planning assistant Arthama Lakhanpall told a meeting on Tuesday that 1,700 households are currently in the queue for council homes, with 316 specifically requesting two-bed properties.
He asked councillors to approve the plans but was told to take another look at the layout and designs.
Conservative councillor Nigel Simms, who represents Masham and Kirkby Malzeard, said the proposals were “just not right yet” and “completely at odds” with existing properties in the area:
There were also questions over why seven car parking spaces – including three disabled bays – were needed in the plans, with councillors suggesting that more or larger homes could be built.
They also said eco-friendly methods of heating, such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, should be installed instead of gas.
Conservative councillor Andrew Paraskos, who represents Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale, said:
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A report to councillors said the homes would provide a “modest addition” to the council’s housing stock and that the loss of 12 'underused' car parking spaces would not have a negative impact on the area.
It said:
Councillors unanimously voted to defer a decision on the plans at Tuesday’s meeting.
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