Plans to deliver nearly 3000 new homes in Flaxby as part of 'self-sustaining' community

Plans to transform a disused golf course into a sustainable new community, with thousands of homes and improved transport links including a new rail station, will be officially submitted this month.

The 430-acre development site near Knaresborough was acquired in 2016 by Flaxby Park Ltd, which is owned by businesswoman and philanthropist Ann Gloag OBE and regeneration experts Chris Musgrave and Trevor Cartner.

They now plan to deliver a multi-million-pound new settlement plan that will meet local housing need and boost the area’s economy.

The planning application follows more than a year of discussions with Harrogate Borough Council, helping to produce a sustainable development, with all the facilities to support this new community, from schools and GP surgery to open space.

Once the plans for Flaxby Park are submitted, a period of statutory consultation managed by Harrogate Borough Council will begin giving residents and a range of organisations a further chance to have their say.

The planning application will feature 2,750 new homes for all stages of life, including a retirement village; a new village centre plus two primary schools and sports facilities; improved access including a £4m roundabout at the entrance to the site and a new rail station.

The scheme has been designed by a team of consultants, including architects Wildblood Macdonald, which has been involved in regeneration projects in Yorkshire and further afield, including Whixley Gate in nearby Whixley, Melton Park near Hull and Froghall in Staffordshire.

This development is also expected to bring economic benefits to the area, including the creation of thousands of construction jobs during the phased 20-year development plan.

Chris Musgrave, shareholder, Flaxby Park Ltd, said: “We have listened closely to what stakeholders and the public have told us over many months, resulting in a planning application that sets the template for excellence in 21st century living.

“Thanks to their input and the hard work of our talented award-winning project team, we have finessed our vision of a self-sustaining community in a country park setting.

“In almost every category, Flaxby Park scores highly as the right location for a development that will grow with Harrogate. It’s the right development in the right place and we are ready to deliver.”

Michael Wildblood MBE added: “Wildblood Macdonald Architects have brought our experience of living and designing developments in the Harrogate area for over 40 years to produce a design that is ideally suitable for its location in Flaxby and for local people.

“We have combined our skills with the experience of our clients, Flaxby Park Ltd, the expertise of the rest of the design team, and comments from all of those consulted, to produce what could become an absolutely delightful place to live and work.”