23
Oct
Pick-your-own flower farm between Ripon and Harrogate seeks longer opening after breaching planning rules in first season
Plans to extend the opening of a pick-your-own flower farm between Ripon and Harrogate have received support from members of the public despite the venue breaching planning rules during its first season.
The Flower Belt, located off the A61 at Bishop Monkton between Ripon and Harrogate, has filed a planning application to operate for more than six months each year.
The attraction opened in July this year, offering visitors the chance to pick wildflowers and sunflowers and take part in activities including yoga and live music.
The Stray Ferret visited the site and spoke to owner John Houseman last summer. You can read the article here.
Planning documents acknowledge that the attraction proved so popular during its first summer that it operated beyond the 28 days originally permitted under temporary planning rules.
The applicant says he was initially unaware that planning regulations were being breached.
Owner John Houseman has now applied for planning permission to operate the attraction annually from May 1 until November 10, with opening hours extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 10pm on Sundays.
Supporters have praised the attraction for bringing visitors to the area, supporting local businesses and providing a peaceful place for families to enjoy nature.
One user praised the owners for diversifying their farming business.
She said:
I fully support this wonderful initiative – I first discovered The Flower Belt in Helmsley and was delighted when The Flower Belt Harrogate began operating this summer – local to me.
It is a beautifully operated site which is delightful in every way. I commend the owners for their diversification in what is a very unstable farming situation.
It is a haven for bees and other wildlife whilst also providing a simple and open space to enjoy the flowers – what a delight for children to enjoy nature.
The Flower Belt
Another supporter described the venue as a valuable addition to the area.
She said:
“This is such a wonderful place that adds so much to the local area and brings so much joy.
“The flowers are exquisite and brighten the countryside, and are a much-needed haven for bees and insects.
“Everyone I have taken there has commented on how calm it’s made them feel.”
She also praised the food, facilities and live music, adding: “This is a special place for young and old and everyone in between, and it’s somewhere invaluable. It would be a huge loss.”
Rural tourism
The attraction forms part of Ingerthorpe Moor Farm, an 800-acre mixed farming business which has been in the same family for five generations.
The 9.86-acre site features 32 varieties of wildflowers, a sunflower field and an autumn pumpkin patch, alongside a café, bar and covered seating area.
Four temporary structures, including a tent, converted shipping container, silo and toilet facilities, would be removed outside the operating season, when the land would return to agricultural use.
The applicant says the business created 24 part-time jobs during its first season and hopes to maintain similar employment levels in future years.
Supporting documents argue that the venture provides an important additional income stream for the family farm while supporting rural tourism and the wider local economy.
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