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06
Mar 2024
Developers revive plans to build in Harrogate's Crimple Valley
Developers have revived plans to build 17 homes in Harrogate's Crimple Valley.
North Yorkshire Council refused an application by Harrogate firm Square Feet Ltd and Leeds-based Antela Developments Ltd to build 17 homes at Almsford Bank Stables in September.
It was the third attempt to build on land off Leeds Road, south of properties on Fulwith Road and Fulwith Grove.
The plans were opposed by the campaign group Save Crimple Valley and received 360 objections and no letters of support.
Now the developers have appealed against the decision to the government's Planning Inspectorate, which will adjudicate.
The council's reasons for refusal included that the scheme would “urbanise and erode the distinctive rural character of the Crimple Valley landscape", cause harm to the setting of the grade two listed Crimple Valley Viaduct and result in the loss of a "relatively large number of mature trees, including trees protected by a tree preservation order".
The 4.4 hectare-site, which has historically been used for equestrian purposes, would see seven affordable build and 10 self and custom build homes.
Loss of 48 trees
A statement of case by the developers said the appeal "is made in the context of the government’s requirement to meet the need for self and custom build housing and seeks to assist in addressing the significant and sustained unmet need in Harrogate for self and custom housing plots". It then details why it believes the council's reasons were flawed.
It says the Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place, supports windfall sites for self and custom build housing on the edge of settlements.
It argues views of the viaduct "have been carefully considered and protected" and "extended areas of native planting will reinforce the green nature of the corridor". The document adds:
A tree report submitted in documents to the council says 48 trees "together with a short stretch of hedge requires removal for the access road".
It adds:
In 2021, plans for 65 homes at the site were withdrawn. In 2022, a smaller application for 35 homes was refused by Harrogate Borough Council.
Read more:
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