Plans for 390 homes in Ripon get secretary of state approval

The Secretary of State has approved plans for up to 390 homes in Ripon, despite ongoing opposition from the National Trust and local residents group.

Gladman Developments were refused planning permission by Harrogate Borough Council for the development of the homes off West Lane, near to National Trust owned Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

A public inquiry was then held between 24 October and 3 November 2017, after the developer appealed the decision to refuse the application for outline planning permission to build up to 390 residential dwellings, including up to 40% affordable housing. Permission was also sought for structural planting and landscaping, informal public open space, children’s play areas and two vehicle access points from West Land.

The then secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, intervened over fears that the development could have an adverse impact on Fountains Abbey due to the site’s proximity.

A report published this week by the ministry of housing, communities and local government states: “The Secretary of State concludes that the delivery of both market and affordable housing carries significant weight in favour of the proposal.”

Ripon Residents Planning Group and the National Trust have stated their disappointment over the decision after presenting their cases to the inquiry last year. The Trust raised concerns that the proposal for residential development, stating that it would result in harm to the setting of the World Heritage Site of Studley Royal Park.

A National Trust spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointed with the decision made today. The decision follows a public Inquiry in October 2017, where the Trust presented its case to the Planning Inspector. The Trust raised serious concerns that the proposal for residential development would result in harm to the setting of the World Heritage Site of Studley Royal Park.

“The Trust will now consider the conclusions of the report. The Trust will continue to give close scrutiny to the detail of any proposals that come forward for the site, to continue to protect the World Heritage Site and its setting.”

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