Save our Green Belt Calcutt and Knaresborough

Green belt was designated for a reason. To stop In filling Between Harrogate and Knaresbough. More important than ever now

Green belt should always be left as green belt, there are plenty of brown belt areas available. It’s not really rocket science

We agree with Coun. Willoughby

We must protect the green belt to provide distance / separation from Harrogate and maintain the unique status and character of Knaresborough.

We must protect the green belt to provide distance / separation from Harrogate and maintain the unique status and character of Knaresborough.

I have said all that is needed to be said in letters about the problems of adding more Gypsy sites in Knaresborough. Only to be ignored by Harrogate Council. Possible because, horror of horrors, a site at Harrogate might be suggested. H.Norris

I support the objections put forward by the Knaresborough and Calcutt Green Belt Protection Action Group.

HBC are disregarding so many government guidelines in considering this, whether or not the Green Belt boundary is moved to make this proposal more comfortable for them. They are treating one ethnic group differently to any other group within Calcutt. Many residents have applied for planning permission and been refused purely on Green Belt justification. The decision was made by HBC without proper assessment of suitability of the sites (produced retrospectively) or any consultation of the existing community. The sites are not sustainable.

HBC seem to put Harrogate before Knaresborough all the time! The recent debacle over the market shows how little consideration is given to the concerns of the residents of Knaresborough! We need to keep our green belt and preserve it for the future generations of Knaresborians!

The current proposals do not take into account the needs to preserve the green belt, adequately consult the community, take account of the need to ensure effective integration of any ethnic group or minority -the current plans are potentially ghettoising and culturally decisive by locating a high percentage of travellers sites within a narrow area and which will disproportionately effect a small local community. Additionally by attempting to legitimise illegal sites prospectively, are sending out wrong messages and rewarding anti social behaviours.

See Coun. Willoughby’s statement, that is the Law.

Calcutt has a great sense of community in an area of countryside that benefits its residents as well as the many tourists and visitors to Knaresborough. Why should that countryside be developed when there are many brown field sites elsewhere within Knaresborough and Harrogate. Residential developments must be in keeping with the local community and more importantly granted in advance of any works being done. To apply in retrospect is disrespectful to the council and residents, showing poor intentions to becoming immersed and adding value to the local community

Having purchased an established house on Forest Moor Road circa 4 years ago I was attracted to the location by its immediacy to the countryside despite being within easy walking distance of Knaresborough town centre. I rely on HBC to enforce the protection of these green areas through the correct planning approval processes. Cass Lane and Thistle Hill are illegal residential developments in breach of all local planning requirements. I would not be allowed to build/ develop a field without first obtaining planning permission so why should travellers be given special treatment? There is already an official traveller site locally and if this is not large enough to accommodate the traveller community then the council need to provide another facility in a different part of the Harrogate area so as to promote the integration of the travellers into contributing local residents for the benefit of all.

Our countryside is disappearing before our eyes. Please let's save as much as we can

I strongly object to this measure there are several brownfield sites which are suitable.

I object to the desecration of our green belt and feel the Cass Lane area with its rural feel and beautiful trees needs protection not despoiling by a number of gypsy sites. When I lived in Bradford gypsies moved onto Bolton Road round the corner from my house. They caused mayhem - horses wondering on to a main road, constant noise, an increase in crime, vehicle movements at all times of day and night. Locating gypsies in an established residential area fringed by green belt would be a very retrograde step for Calcutt and indeed Knaresborough.

I live on forest moor road, overlooking Cass Lane. I have lived here for 23 years. One of my reasons for living here is that we are surrounded by Green belt. Sadly the presence of the temporary permissions for travellers to live on Cass Lane has been grossly abused since granted, with an extended permanent building being completed to create a large enclosure which is clearly the base for a business, with up to 8 vehicles and trailers being parked, several being commercial. The nature of the environment has clearly been changed with the nature of the original permission having been abused and I am deeply concerned as to the implications for any continued permissios being granted on a more permanent basis

HBC have the power to insist that structures built without planning permission are demolished. It would be more than justified in this case.

Save our green belt please.

I live on Cass Lane and I am devastated by this proposal by HBC . They don't know what goes on on this Lane and I object to this proposal on green belt land. HBC need to come down here evenings and weekend to see what goes on here. One of these Gypies has been given temporary permission even though he made himself homeless. One rule for them another for the rest of us. Save our greenbelt.