Council officials have recommended a controversial plan to build 53 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate be approved.

The proposal, by north-east property developer Jomast, was deferred by councillors at the end of May for a third time.

It comes after concerns have been raised over land contamination at the site.

The meeting in May also proved controversial after proceedings were not broadcast live on North Yorkshire Council’s YouTube channel due to a “problem with the connection”.

Now, the proposal will return to the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency planning committee on September 26.

A 45-page report published before the meeting by case officer Andy Hough said the plan is “considered to now be in compliance with development plan policy” and should be approved.

It adds that the reasons for deferral at the last meeting would “not form reasonable reasons for refusal”.

The report also said approval would be subject to conditions and the developer paying a section 106 agreement to compensate for the impact of the scheme on local infrastructure.

The application has proved controversial with residents in the Bilton area.

Campaign group Keep Knox Natural has previously called on the council to remove the parcel of land from the Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place.

Cllr Robert Windass, a member of the council’s planning committee, previously vowed not to vote for the scheme until he felt the “land is safe”.

The proximity of the land to power lines has also been raised as a concern.

But the report said:

Read more:

• Controversial 53-home Harrogate scheme recommended for approval


• Contamination concerns delay decision on 53-home Knox Lane site


• Stray Views: Knox Lane housing scheme ‘lacks detail’