North Yorkshire Council has refused a plan to build 20 homes and 12 glamping pods on the site of the former Nidd Valley Sawmills in Dacre Banks.
Plan refused for 20 homes and glamping pods at former Nidderdale mill North Yorkshire Council has refused a plan to build 20 homes and 12 glamping pods on the site of the former Nidd Valley Sawmills in Dacre Banks. The mill, which was used for chopping up logs for timber, was put up for sale in December 2017 after the former owner retired. Yorkshire-based developer Milner Homes bought the site and had a vision to create a housing development that used part of the old mill, which sits on the banks of the River Nidd. It said the glamping pods would “promote sustainable tourism and leisure whilst respecting the character of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)”. The application received 16 public comments with 15 objections. It also received objections from both Dacre and Harwith cum Winsley parish councils. A structural survey of the mill found that some of the buildings are in poor condition and should be demolished but the main building could be retained with a new roof and first floor. The developer proposed building five apartments in the converted mill and a further 15 homes on the site. Planning document highlighted the fact that the scheme would bring a brownfield site back into use. They said:
“The proposals on the site are deliverable and represent development that is sustainable and will actively contribute to the vitality of the local area.”But with strict planning rules inside the AONB, North Yorkshire Council refused the plans last week. Assistant director of planning, Trevor Watson, wrote:
“The proposal is considered to represent major development in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. “No exceptional circumstances for the development have been demonstrated as required by Paragraph 177 of the NPPF and Policy GS6 of the Harrogate District Local Plan. The proposal will also have a significant, adverse landscape and visual effect upon the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB.”Mr Watson also said the developer had failed to prove that the site could not be still used for employment purposes and that the glamping pods require a rural location. Milner Homes can appeal the decision. By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Fodder to host Yorkshire supplier open call night
North Yorkshire praised for diversity of visitor economy
Knaresborough postman's drawings raise £1,800 for LGI Neurosciences
Robotics National Final to be held in Harrogate
Grantley Hall to star in new Channel 5 series
Newby Hall to reopen next week with new events
Bridal hair stylist launches new wellness business in Harrogate
BBC television series looks to cast Harrogate children for new series
Race for life to return to the Stray this July
Harrogate Neighbours team to cycle 100 miles for Red Nose Day
Pannal PTA Ball raises £7,000 for Pannal Primary School
Harrogate Musical Festival back for its 60th Anniversary
Harrogate BID announces upcoming Easter Egg Trail
Average house price in Harrogate rises to £405k reports say
Sir Geoffrey Boycott announced as guest speaker for Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity golf day
The Knaresborough Boats back on the river for 2026
Harrogate Mcdonald's re-opens after one month closure
Harrogate MP highlights importance of local museums in parliamentary debate
Tech company becomes first sponsor of new Harrogate College Campus
Air Ambulance calls on schools to 'turn yellow' for Yorkshire
