Support for the multi-million-pound grant agreed to support the delivery of at least 2,000 homes

Plans for more than 2,000 new housing west of Harrogate should be supported by a £6.8 million grant to fund development-critical infrastructure, including roads and schools.

North Yorkshire councillors have agreed to accept interest-free loans from Holmes England's Brownfield Infrastructure and Land (BIL) fund, which will launch the transportation and education elements of Harrogate development.

So far, three planning applications for new homes have been approved and another plan is pending as a projected start on site later this year.

The current local plan for the West Harrogate area identifies new housing, employment and school sites as well as the infrastructure needed for large-scale developments such as transportation provision and open space.

These elements are usually partially funded through section 106 money paid by the developer as part of a project that funds the infrastructure.

However, Brownfield's infrastructure and land funding is to allow North Yorkshire Council to fund elements of these schemes early stages, and will be repaid as they progress and receive developer contributions.

An executive member open to business, Councillor Mark Crane is responsible for responsibilities, including planning policy and local planning, saying: “Achieving sustainable housing and economic growth is at the heart of the new planning services.

“By securing this £6,780,994 from Holmes, England, we are able to fund the early delivery of infrastructure essential for large-scale development, including transportation links such as schools and walking and cycling offerings.

“We want to help create a new sustainable community, a place where existing and future residents can be proud of from the moment they move.”

The Council has looked at community facilities and services and has worked with developers on development proposals for around 2,000 new housing and employment.

This includes primary school provisions, local centres, sports pitches, open spaces, bus routes, sidewalks and cycling.

Cllr Crane added: “We are very 'open to business'. By securing this funding, we can demonstrate how we can work with the development industry in England and Holmes to support high-quality schemes with infrastructure.

“The thriving community relies on affordable, high quality housing, and we are committed to working with our stakeholders to provide this.”

Members of North Yorkshire Council executives have given executives a future for accepting funds.