Proposals to develop the former farmstead area of Spacey Houses Farm, Pannal, Harrogate into new homes have moved a step closer. Harrogate Borough Council has completed the sale of the land to well-known Harrogate builders and developers C K Batchelor Ltd.
The land, which has planning permission for 13 homes, became available when the council agreed to help its tenant farmer relocate his farmstead. The same family has farmed there for three generations and the council was keen to support the farm’s future. The original farmstead suffered numerous operational limitations, including access difficulties.
These farm buildings, opposite the BMW garage on the Leeds Road, will now become part of this small new development.
On sealing the deal, Councillor Ivor Fox, the council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
This land fronts an important entry road into the town and he is pleased that new homes can be built here.
These old buildings had fallen into some disrepair so it is a bonus that the area will be much improved.
Pannal has excellent transport links as well as a vibrant local community with a village hall, public house, shops and a primary school. I am sure these new homes will be in much demand.
As part of the council’s policy to include more affordable homes in new developments, the planning permission provides for the construction of three affordable homes for local residents. They will be available either for rent or shared ownership and the council will be working up details with its partner housing association.
David Batchelor, Director of C K Batchelor Ltd, added:
My family moved to the Pannal area when I was just a few weeks old and I went to Pannal School so I consider I am just about born and bred in Pannal. With the conversion and restoration of the existing stone buildings and construction of some new build houses we intend to provide a mixed development of one, two, three and four bedroomed properties that will turn the existing run down site into something of which Pannal and Harrogate can be proud.
