Green light for housing on former police training centre site

Detailed plans for the development of up to 200 homes on the site of a former police training centre in Harrogate have secured approval.Vistry Yorkshire submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council for the residential development on the site of the former Police Training College on Yew Tree Lane.The site closed in 2011 and plans have been in the works to convert the space into residential units since 2014. It is earmarked for housing in the council’s adopted Local Plan.The reserved matters application covers the construction of 184 new homes, together with the conversion of North Lodge, Headmasters House, Kensington House and the library at the training centre to create a further 16 units.A range of detached, semi- detached and terraced houses are planned, as well as two three-storey blocks each comprising 24 two-bed apartments. Sixty affordable homes are set to be built.The plans also include associated infrastructure, a drainage system and biodiversity enhancement works.The application was approved, subject to conditions, at a meeting of the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee on 30 January.The decision was in line with the recommendation of an officer’s report prepared for the meeting, as previously reported by Insider.