A HARROGATE landowner has completed the sale of a one-acre plot in Follifoot to an affordable housing developer.

Chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall negotiated the sale of the land in Pannal Road on behalf of Rudding Park Estate.

The development will be operated by Home Group, with one of the conditions of the sale being that the site would be used entirely for affordable housing, with 12 units planned for the development.

Rudding Park Estate’s owner Mark Mackaness said: “I am keen to see Follifoot prosper and not stagnate into a dormitory village that consists of only executive and high priced houses.

“This was why I was determined to promote the site for 100 per cent affordable housing for rent and I am delighted Sanderson Weatherall’s diligence and expertise has moved the village one step closer to this end goal. Once this is completed, we hope that the land to the rear might be turned into a village playground and recreational area.”

The land in Pannal Road was earmarked as a location for an affordable development by Harrogate Borough Council.

Councillor Mike Chambers, cabinet member for housing, said: “It is important that the council does all that it can to encourage developers to provide housing for a wide range of people and we welcome the provision of much-needed affordable rural housing in the district.”