Harrogate Councillors have voted to progress the development of 162 new homes in the Kingsley Drive area of the town.
Members of the Council’s planning committee voted by nine votes to two in favour of deferring approval to planning officers, subject to planning conditions.
The Persimmon Homes development, which had been recommended for approval by the council’s case officer, will provide a mix of house sizes, from one to four bedrooms, helping meet local housing needs on a site that is allocated for housing in the Harrogate District Local Plan.
Home buyers will be able to choose from bungalows, semi-detached and detached properties with 65 homes to be transferred to a housing provider for rent and shared ownership, or sold to first-time buyers at a 30% discount.
Set amongst significant green public spaces, 288 new trees will be planted as well as hedgerows equivalent to the length of over 20 football pitches. Residents will enjoy a large central area of open space, pedestrian and cycle links through the site, as well as areas for amenity, recreation and a children’s play area.
All the new homes will be a maximum of two storeys in height and be equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
Joel Frank, land director at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased that committee members have voted to reaffirm the Council’s recommendation for approval. This site is allocated for housing in the Local Plan and as the case officer’s report said, the development will make a valuable contribution to the district’s housing need.
“As well as providing a mix of house sizes for families and downsizers, home owners will enjoy significant areas of green space, cycle routes, play areas and new footpaths. This proposed scheme will also provide over £1.2 million in funding for local education provision and key highways improvements to Kingsley Road.”
