Support for 2,750 new Flaxby Park homes plan

Plans to create 2,750 new homes near Harrogate have received the backing of local business leaders and residents.

Development company Flaxby Park Ltd is hoping to create the new homes along with a retirement village, two primary schools, a health centre, sports facilities and a hotel at Flaxby Park.

Detailed plans for the former golf course, which include a new 350 car park and ride facility and the re-opening of Goldsborough Railway Station, went on display this week, where 100% of attendees strongly supported the proposals.

According to the firm, attendees, which included Chamber of Commerce members, also prefer the location compared to the area around Hammerton, which had been favoured by Harrogate Borough Council.

Chris Musgrave from Flaxby Park Ltd said: “The overriding feedback was that of a huge sense of frustration and disbelief that Hammerton has been put forward as the best location for a new settlement.

“People can’t understand why our plans are being overlooked. We even had a couple of first-time buyers come to the event wanting to reserve a new home.”

A survey carried out by Harrogate Chamber of Commerce has also revealed that more than 85% of its respondents believe that Flaxby Park is the best option.

CEO of Harrogate Chamber, Sandra Doherty, added: “Flaxby Park is the ideal location for the new settlement. Lots of people rely on public transport and people living at Flaxby Park could easily use electric buses or the new park and ride facility and re-opened Goldsborough Station.

“It’s an absolute no-brainer when you take everything into consideration and our survey shows that the majority of our members obviously feel the same way.

“It’s a sensible development, in the right place that also plans to tap into the waste energy from the recently built Allerton Park Waste Recovery site. In our opinion the site really does merit being the only place for a new settlement on this scale.”

A public examination of the Draft Local Plan is now in the pipeline which will be followed by a public examination of the Council’s recommendation.

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