The site was previously approved for 135 homes. Credit: Story Homes

Story Homes seeks North Yorkshire debut

18 December 2023 09:23 Neil Tague Comments (0)

Plans have been lodged by the Cumbrian housebuilder for 140-plus homes on land east of Otley Road, Harrogate, where it is partnering with housing association Home Group.

Story is well established in its Cumbrian heartland and the wider North West, as well as the North East, but this would represent its maiden scheme in North Yorkshire.

The land at Otley Road is allocated for housing within the Harrogate Council Local Plan, and benefits from a September 2021 extant consent for 135 homes.

Story Homes has recently partnered with Home Group, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, to bring forward fresh proposals which include the provision of 40% affordable housing, extensive areas of landscaped open space and the generation of more than £500,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy payments.

This joint venture will see Story Homes build all 146 new homes at the site, and whilst they will be responsible for selling the open market homes, Home Group – which is also working with Story on a North East scheme at present – will take responsibility for the affordable properties.

Detailed plans are now filed. The wider allocation at Otley Road includes other plots, two of which have been delivered with a third in the works.

Properties at the Harrogate project will range from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom detached homes.

Hannah Richins, planning manager for Story Homes North West said: “I’m delighted to be part of the team working on this project. This is our first site in North Yorkshire and it’s an exciting time for our business as we introduce our beautifully crafted homes into a new housing market.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with Home Group and North Yorkshire Council to deliver a high-quality scheme we are all proud of.”

Home Group, under its brand Persona Homes, has already delivered 220 homes on Skipton Road in the town.

Kitson Keen, director of development at Home Group, said: “Home Group has a great relationship with Story Homes, and we are once again delighted to partner with them on a Joint Venture to deliver this fantastic scheme. Story Homes deliver high quality properties which will enhance the availability of quality affordable homes in Harrogate.”