On the 29 September 2015, the Planning Officer recommended refusal of the proposed development, which included the erection of up to 88 houses, on landscape grounds.

The Committee resolved to refuse the application and the Notice of Decision was issued on 1st October 2015 in line with the Officer recommendation as set out below:

“The proposed development would cause significant harm to the form of the village and to the landscape character, which includes the Nidd Gorge Special Landscape Area and a number of public rights of way, by its manner of extending the built form of the village into open countryside and which will result in loss of character, amenity and/or recreational value of a number of those public rights of way …”

CPRE North Yorkshire argues that this appeal against the Committee decision should be refused and further argues that the proposed development is not appropriate in this location due to the following facts:

• It is outside the development limits of Killinghall and therefore within the open countryside;
• The proposed development is located on a greenfield site;
• The development proposals would add to the unacceptable loss of best and most versatile agricultural land within North Yorkshire;
• Will cause significant harm to the special landscape character of the area which is designated at a Special Landscape Area;
• The proposals will detrimentally impact upon both the current and future occupants of residents living in close proximity to the site;
• The development will cause significant adverse effects to the PROW network in the vicinity; and
• The proposed access to the site will add to the already significant traffic congestion experienced in the area.

CPRE's full submission to Harrogate Borough Council can be seen below.