Police training centre redevelopment set for green light

Plans to transform a former police training centre in Harrogate into 161 houses have been recommended for approval. David Wilson Homes submitted plans for the transformation of North Lodge, Headmasters House, Kensington House and the library at the training centre in Pannal Ash to form 14 dwellings and for the erection of 147 dwellings.The site closed in 2011 and plans have been in the works to convert the space into housing since 2014.A report to Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee has recommended that plans for the former police training centre in the town be redeveloped into housing should be approved subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement.The section 106 order would confirm provision of on-site affordable housing, public open space and ongoing management and maintenance responsibilities and a playing field, car parking and safeguarding.It would also secure funds to be used in education open spaces and an off-site playing field.The committee is due to meet and discuss the plans on 28 November 2017.Planning permission was granted in November 2006 for the demolition and redevelopment of the existing police training centre to provide new training, administration, accommodation and sports facilities but it was not acted upon.A total of 72 letters about the plans were sent to the council across three separate consultation periods, 68 of which were in objection to the plans.