AS A result of a Government National Planning Policy, this district is required to build 6,000 houses over the next 15 years.

The Local Development Plan proposes that 500 houses be built on the greenfield site at Manse Hall Farm up to the year 2020 and from 2021 land east of Manse Hall Farm could provide further extension.

The Government appointed inspector, Karen McCabe has asked HBC Planning to answer a number of questions.

1."Why has this greenfield site been chosen rather than a larger number of smaller sites spread around the town?" Possible answer because this site is owned by a development agency and to quote from the documents on view in the library - "East of Knaresborough offers sufficient available, suitable and deliverable land to meet the Knaresborough area up to 2020."

2. "How do they plan to provide the necessary infrastructure of schools, medical, shopping, utilities and roads essential to support a large scale development?" How indeed, when

the proposed Rail Halt has already met with serious funding problems. The district will need

three new primary schools, there is no plan for one on Manse Hall Farm or a Health Centre. The National Grid is working above capacity, no suitable site can be found for a new sub­station. Yorkshire Water are operating close to consent limit. At this time only Brown Field and small Greenfield sites where water flows to Waste Water Treatment Works could be accommodated. The National Grid/CE Electric UK - Manse Lane is crossed by overhead lines and safety cannot be infringed.

In almost every aspect of the Development Partnership, from highways to sewerage, surface water, flooding, park and ride, primary care, waste management there is a problem with this site. It is not clear from the document, although HBC and the developer are mentioned as partners in every case, whether they are expected to chip in with the funding.

3. "When can the decision to develop the large sites deliver the essential services of road, school and other essential services in the time available for the plan?"

4. "Who?” The Inspector stated the need for Public Consultation on the above process. There has been no public consultation in Knaresborough. There has been no Town Meeting and nothing from our Town Councillors. Harrogate has held two meetings attended by a total of 600 protesters. Compared to losing a post office 500 houses is apparently a non-event.

The documents are available in the library as are the response forms. The deadline is 4.30pm, August 22. Subject: Local Development Plan.

Knaresborough is allocated 14 per cent of the district total which works out at 54 houses per year. The problem is not how to meet it but how not to exceed it.