Homes England has acquired two sites in Harrogate on which it intends to build 800 new homes.
The two sites will comprise 40% affordable housing and will attempt to both ease affordability pressures and help meet local housing need.
In Ripon, the 23ha West Lane site has outline planning consent for 390 new homes, 156 of which will be allocated to affordable housing. The site was allocated in the adopted Local Plan in March 2020.
The 28ha Bluecoat Park site in Harrogate is also allocated in the local plan, and currently has an outline planning permission for 450 new homes.
That planning permission is due to expire later this month; though, Homes England has stated it intends to submit a new planning application later in the year.
Housing minister Christopher Pincher said: “This is fantastic news for Harrogate and a realisation of this government’s mission to deliver quality, affordable homes that are fit for future generations.
“I look forward to seeing the plans these communities develop take shape over the coming months.”
‘Showing our commitment’
Both the Ripon and Bluecoat Park sites have been dogged by development delays in recent years, the reasons for which have often been attributed to the associated enabling costs and planning permissions, which are soon due to lapse.
Stephen Kinsella, chief land and development officer at Homes England, said: “By purchasing these two sites, we’re once again showing our commitment to step in, unlock land, and get new homes built where they are most needed.
“Following unsuccessful attempts by the market to deliver these sites, our intervention means these homes will be delivered sooner and with high standards of design.
“We have a strong relationship with Harrogate Borough Council, and we look forward to working with them on our plans for the two sites.”
Trevor Watson, director of Economy and Culture at Harrogate Borough Council, said: “We welcome Homes England’s involvement in seeking to bring forward and unlock these stalled sites.
“They are important in helping to deliver our strategic objective to provide new homes that meet the needs of the district.”
Image credit: Matt of Yorkshire/Shutterstock
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