North Yorkshire Council aims to secure £6.8 million in funding from Homes England to fast-track essential infrastructure for a major housing and employment scheme in Harrogate. The funding would enable the early delivery of two new schools and transport upgrades tied to the 2,000-home West Harrogate Project.
The funds would be used for highway improvements around the new developments and early-stage design and survey work for the school sites. The grant, sourced from the Brownfield, Infrastructure, and Land Fund, would be recoverable once developers’ contributions—secured through planning agreements—are received.
Council officers noted that the early infrastructure would support creating a sustainable community. Although there is some financial risk if the developer contributions fall short, external consultants have reviewed the cost estimates, and the local housing market remains strong.
Three of the four planning applications submitted for the project have received conditional approval. The latest application, approved in December, involves the construction of 480 homes off Otley Road.
Developers involved in the project are expected to contribute significant funds to local infrastructure, including nearly £1.9 million for a new primary school, £1.6 million for secondary education, over £1 million for sports facilities, and £390,000 towards healthcare services.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive committee will review the grant proposal this week.
