Harrogate set to receive affordable housing development

Harrogate will now receive some much needed affordable housing as one of the town’s leading landowners has sold a one-acre plot in Follifoot to a housing developer.

Throughout the process of selling the land on Pannal Road, Leeds chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall brokered a deal on behalf of Rudding Park Estate.

The development will be managed by Home Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and supported housing services and products.

The main stipulation from the deal was that only affordable housing would be built on the site, with 12 units planned for the development.

Leeds’ Sanderson Weatherall’s negotiating team brokered the deal to the satisfaction of both parties and with the full support of the Council. Grays Solicitors of York provided legal advice to the seller, and Space Partnerships and Blacks Solicitors represented the purchaser.

Commenting on the sale, Mark Mackaness, the owner of Rudding Park Estate, said: “I am keen to see Follifoot prosper and not stagnate into a dormitory village that consists of only executive and high priced houses. This was why I was determined to promote the site for 100% affordable housing for rent and I am delighted Sanderson Weatherall’s diligence and expertise has moved the village one step closer to this end goal. Once this is completed, we hope that the land to the rear might be turned into a village playground and recreational area.”

The land on Pannal Road was earmarked as a location for an affordable development by Harrogate Borough Council in response to the lack of social housing in the area.

Councillor Mike Chambers, the housing cabinet member for Harrogate Borough Council, added: “It is important that the council does all that it can to encourage developers to provide housing for a wide range of people and we welcome the provision of much needed affordable rural housing in the district.”

Andrew Ellis, Sanderson Weatherall’s partner in corporate real estate, also commented: “This was a unique opportunity to assist in an important deal for Harrogate that will provide much-needed affordable housing for the town, and we are happy to have guided Rudding Park Estate through the sale process.”

Sanderson Weatherall’s Leeds office employs 95 specialist chartered surveyors and skilled support staff and operates across the Yorkshire region.