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BIG IMPRESSION: An artist's impression of the development at Catterick Garrison, which will create 694 full-time jobs

PLANS to build Britain's first "super garrison" in the North- East took another step forward last night.

In the biggest single planning application Richmondshire District Council has dealt with, proposals for a town centre in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, were given outline planning permission.

The plans include 227 homes, including up to 117 affordable residences, and will create 694 full-time and 562 part-time jobs.

The development of the Richmond Road area would also include shops, business offices, banks and other financial offices, a hotel with up to 84 beds, a community centre, a new NHS health centre and 559 extra car parking spaces.

The developer, Defence Estates, said the plans will be influenced by local market towns - such as Richmond, Leyburn and Bedale - with shops and bars fronting onto a central square.

The construction of the development, which is hoped to be fully operational by 2016, will also create 41 jobs.

Speaking after the meeting last night, planning 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 years of hard work and it will have implications for years 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."

Some residents of surrounding towns have objected to the plans, which they say will have a serious impact on the economy of nearby town centres.

In an objection letter, a Richmond resident said: "I appreciate the value of the new investment proposed, but it is necessary to deduct from this the financial, economic and social costs that will result for Richmond and Leyburn (and probably others such as Middleham and Masham).

"Fewer businesses in these towns mean reduced rates income, reduced rent income, physical deterioration of historic buildings, more vacant units, and fewer shoppers forcing those businesses which stay to close."

A retail survey carried out by external consultants found that of all nearby towns, Richmond is the only one likely to feel any significant impact.

But Defence Estates said the development will benefit both towns and has agreed to contribute £200,000 to boost Richmond's economy.

The loss of the Central Sports Ground in the garrison would be offset by the creation of extra recreation and woodland areas, while existing facilities - such as the Leyburn Road Athletics Stadium - would be made more accessible to residents.

The proposed sports and leisure centre, which will form part of the town centre but is the subject of a separate application, will also be open to the public by late next year.

Developers said the plans have been created with the need to reduce the area's carbon footprint in mind.

It is hoped the town centre will reduce the amount of people shopping outside Catterick Garrison - and so significantly cut car-journeys.

Pedestrian and cycle links will be built, with existing routes extended, to link the new town centre with other parts of the garrison.

Public transport will also be improved, while "eco-roofs" on buildings will recycle rainwater for residents' gardens.

Water will be heated by solar panels and the developers have vowed to use local and sustainably- sourced building materials where possible.

8:10am Friday 7th December 2007

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