News 

20 new homes unanimously approved in North Yorkshire village

27 November 2018

Planning Potential has secured approval for 20 new homes in Marton cum Grafton, North Yorkshire following unanimously approval by Harrogate Borough Council.

The site, located in the village of Marton cum Grafton between Harrogate and York, operated as a farm for many years up until recently and is a draft allocation in the emerging Harrogate Local Plan, which was submitted for independent examination in August 2018.

Situated within a Conservation Area with a listed church located close to the site’s boundary, the application site has a sensitive backdrop, reflected in the long list of changes and revisions that have been made to the scheme. Originally submitted in January 2018, a series of revised layout plans, visuals of the proposals and updated third party reports have been submitted over the course of the last eleven months to reflect statutory comments as well as feedback from the local community.

The final plans were submitted in September 2018, culminating in the reduction of homes from 23 dwellings to 20. The scheme comprises:

  • Part conversion and part demolition of farm buildings
  • 20 dwellings, comprising 2-bed, 3-bed, 4-bed and 5-bed homes
  • 40% affordable housing, equating to eight dwellings
  • A dedicated area of public open space safeguarding the views of the church

The proposal, which would see the retention and redevelopment of a number of the site’s redundant agricultural buildings, has been submitted by Brierley Homes Ltd, a development arm of North Yorkshire County Council.

The proposed design reflects the historic grain of the site and surrounding village, creating a unique sense of place and identity which maintains a dialogue and connection with the surrounding area and other homes in the village.

Commenting on the approval, Claire Temple, Director at Planning Potential, the agents on the application, said:

“By working closely with the local community we were determined to submit the best possible plans to address the pressing need for more homes across the district. We had to navigate a complex environment, but through our collaborative approach, we were able to address a number of significant site constraints and deliver a scheme that was the right fit for the village.”

In the officer’s report ahead of committee, the Officer stated that ‘overall the layout, scale and design detailing of the new houses complement the heritage setting of the site.’ The Report added that ‘the development would not result in material harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area’.

Rob Seward, Align Property Partners, said:

“These much needed homes have been carefully designed and the proposals represent a sensitive response to the site and its context. We are delighted that our efforts to incorporate as many comments as possible have been recognised by the Council. Through high quality architectural design and detailing, this scheme will enhance the character and appearance of the village and this permission represents the culmination of a great deal of hard work.”

The scheme was unanimously approved by Harrogate Council’s Planning Committee on 6 November 2018.