Planning approval secured for 162 houses

Harrogate councillors have voted to progress 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 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.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.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 equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.Joel Frank, land director at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased 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 £1.2m in funding for local education provision and key highways improvements to Kingsley Road.”