Outline application for
massive town centre development approved
THE biggest single planning application ever
dealt with by Richmondshire District Council has been given the
go-ahead.
Councillors on the Planning Committee voted to give outline
approval to plans by Defence Estates for a new town centre
development in Catterick Garrison.
Speaking after the meeting last night (Thursday), committee
chairman Councillor Campbell Dawson said: "This was quite simply
the biggest planning application ever considered by Richmondshire
District Council, and arguably the most important. It represents
the culmination of literally years of hard work – and it will have
implications for decades to come.
"To put it simply, this development involves designing and
building a completely new town centre. That meant it was vitally
important we get this decision right, and I believe we have – it is
a fantastic opportunity for Richmondshire.
"The development is enormous, involving a total area of almost
12 acres – about six football pitches – and will include shops,
offices, a hotel, a health centre, houses, apartments and leisure
facilities.
"This isn't just a big change for Catterick Garrison. This is a
big change for Richmondshire and a big change for North Yorkshire.
We were concerned that the development may have an impact on
Richmond town centre, and we brought in independent consultants to
advise us what kind of safeguards could be put in place to offset
any impact on existing businesses. The applicants have also agreed
to contribute £200,000 to boost the economy of Richmond town
centre.
"There's much more work still to be done to make the new
Catterick Garrison town centre a reality – but we've now cleared
the first, and perhaps most difficult, hurdle – so we can look
forward to the future with confidence."
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