It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
Harrogate Specsavers has been announced as main sponsor for this year’s Henshaws BedFest.
The festival, which takes place on June 10 at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, is set to feature live music from local artists, a variety of street food vendors, a licensed bar and an ideal spot to watch the Bed Race.
The event will also raise money for Henshaws’ work supporting people with sight loss and a range of other disabilities.
Andy Bryer, retail director for Specsavers Harrogate, said:
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Bed Fest, it’s such a fun-filled event tied to an iconic Knaresborough tradition and the proceeds go towards an incredible cause.
‘The work that Henshaws does is quite literally life changing and we’re really proud to be working with the team on ongoing fundraising and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.”
Harrogate Town announces new match day sponsor
Harrogate Town has announced Belzona Polymetrics as a new sponsor for next season.
The company, which is based on Claro Road, will feature on the club’s match day celebration announcements on its scoreboard.
Staff at Belzona in Harrogate.
Belzona, which was founded in 1952, is a global designer and manufacturer of industrial repair and protection materials.
Joanna Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:
“Their support means that we can continue to enhance the match day experience for our fans, creating an engaging sentiment at every game.
“We are proud to be partnering with such a reputable and community- minded company, and we look forward to a successful collaboration both on and off the pitch.”
A spokesperson for Belzona said:
“Historically, Belzona has always fostered strong links with the local community and is delighted to have the opportunity to uphold this relationship by supporting Harrogate Town AFC, a football club that lies at the heart of the town, providing entertainment and many jobs for the local community.”
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Controversial Knox Lane 53-homes plan deferred for third time
A controversial plan to build 53 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate has been deferred for a third time.
Councillors on Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency planning committee made the decision over land contamination concerns.
The committee requested that a further report into land contamination be produced, as was previously requested by Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee.
The proposal, which has been proposed by North-east property developer Jomast, was initially recommended for approval subject to conditions by council officers.
Among the conditions is that Jomast would be required to pay £64,000 for healthcare, £140,000 for education and £60,000 for open spaces in the form of a section 106 agreement to compensate for the impact of development on local infrastructure.
However, councillors decided to defer the pan for a third time.
The meeting, which was held at Harrogate Civic Centre yesterday, was due to be streamed onto the authority’s YouTube channel — but was not broadcast.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said a “problem with the connection” in the council chamber meant it was not possible to livestream the proceedings.
The application has proved controversial with residents in the Bilton area.
Campaign group Keep Knox Natural has previously called on the council to remove the parcel of land from the Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can take place.
Meanwhile, Cllr Robert Windass, a member of the council’s planning committee, previously vowed not to vote for the scheme until he felt the “land is safe”.
Read more:
- Controversial 53-home Harrogate scheme recommended for approval
- Contamination concerns delay decision on 53-home Knox Lane site
- Stray Views: Knox Lane housing scheme ‘lacks detail’
Harewood Bridge to be closed for repairs for four weeks
Harewood Bridge near Harrogate will close for four weeks this summer.
The bridge will close from July 26 until August 24 for essential maintenance work to be carried out.
The grade-II listed structure carries the A61 Harrogate Road over the River Wharfe and is a busy route between Harrogate and Leeds.
Leeds City Council is closing the bridge to carry out waterproofing, resurfacing and footpath repair works.
Cllr Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:
“Harewood Bridge is a strategic vehicle crossing used by thousands of people each day and therefore to close it requires careful planning. By carrying out the repair works during the school summer holidays we can hopefully limit the disruption with expected lower traffic levels.
“We apologise in advance for the potential disruption and ask road users for their patience. The works are essential for the long-term maintenance of this vital crossing between Harrogate and Leeds.
“We would please like to urge motorists to plan their journey in advance, follow the signed diversion and allow a bit of extra time for their travel.”
The footway across the bridge will remain open throughout the work.
A diversion route will be in place during the work from Otley Road, Arthington Lane, Main Street, Pool Bridge, Harrogate Road, Swindon Lane and onto Harrogate Road.
The same route will be in place in the opposite direction.
Read more:
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Council rejects Harrogate office block conversion over natural light concern
A plan to convert Simpson House in Harrogate into flats has been refused over natural light concerns.
Bramhope Property and Investments Limited tabled the proposal to North Yorkshire Council to convert the the former office block off Clarence Drive into 12 flats.
Documents submitted to the council outlined plans to create 12 two-bedroom apartments.
It would see the ground, first and second floors converted.
But, council officials have rejected the plan over concerns that those who would live in the flats would not have enough natural light.
In a decision notice, the authority said:
“The existing building abuts mature trees and hedges to the south on an embankment within the conservation area.
“The cumulative effect of the trees, hedges and site topography would provide large amounts of shade to the east, south and west elevation windows of six proposed dwellings during most parts of the day.
“These windows serve habitable rooms including living/dining rooms and bedrooms.
“The trees cannot be managed under this prior notification application, and there are no mitigating factors that would compensate for this significant loss of natural light.”
The move comes after two previous proposals to change the use of the office block to residential were refused in 2022.
Meanwhile, another application by Artium Group was withdrawn in July 2022 amid concern from Harrogate Borough Council officers over the impact on neighbouring trees.
In the latest proposal, developers said the building is already surrounded by residential properties.
It said:
“The ground and first floors of the building have been vacant for several years and the second floor of the building has recently become vacant.
“The building is surrounded by existing residential properties which are previously converted office buildings surrounded by mature trees.”
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- Government rejects 13-home plan on former Ripon timber yard
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- Developer withdraws Harrogate office block flats plan
MPs Watch: River Nidd and King Charles coronation
Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
In May, the saga over designating bathing water status to the River Nidd rumbled on. Meanwhile, at the start of the month, the country celebrated the coronation of King Charles III.
We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but we did not receive a response.
Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.
Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:
- On May 2, Mr Jones met with Harrogate Town FC’s community foundation.
- Mr Jones met with leadership of North Yorkshire Council, local NHS and the Chief Constable on May 15.
- The Conservative MP gave his first interview to the Stray Ferret on May 16 where he discussed his candidacy for the next General Election, sewage in the River Nidd and the Station Gateway scheme.
- On May 17, Mr Jones urged a developer to give residents clarity over a planned solar farm in Scotton.
- On both May 20 and May 27, Mr Jones joined volunteers at Knaresborough Lido to count visitors for the Bathing Water Quality Status application.
- He held a constituency surgery on May 30 at the Harrogate Civic Centre.
When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for May.
Among those included meeting with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the National Air Traffic Specialists (NATS) to discuss upcoming changes to national airspace.
He also met with the met with the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce with other North Yorkshire MPs to discuss challenges in the hospitality sector. Mr Jones also visited Yorkshire Cancer Research at Grove Park Court in Harrogate to discuss their latest projects and collaborations with universities.
Mr Jones’ office pointed out that his engagements and activities could also be found on his Community News website and his Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.
In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:
- Mr Smith made no spoken contributions or submitted any written questions in the House of Commons in May.
- On May 7, Mr Smith attended a coronation service at Ripon Cathedral.
- The Ripon MP visited the British Irish Chamber of Commerce in Dublin on May 11.
- On May 24, he received a piece of artwork called “A Path to Peace” from Pateley Bridge artist James Owen Thomas.
- Mr Smith visited the Ripon Walled Garden on May 26.
Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.
In rural south Harrogate, he is what we found on Mr Adams:
- Mr Adams asked Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, on May 2 about what the government was doing to plan for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
- He asked two questions of Secretary of State for the Home Department, Robert Jenrick, two questions on the recruitment of Border Force staff since April 2022.
- Mr Adams posted no updates on his website throughout May.
- Normally a frequent social media user, Mr Adams posted just three times on his Twitter during May. None related to constituency issues in rural Harrogate.
Read more:
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- Harrogate Station Gateway: new report reveals financial risks
- Council set to loan £500,000 to Harrogate housing company
Developer appeals Harrogate aparthotel plan refusal
A developer has challenged a decision to refuse plans to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate town centre building into an aparthotel.
Leeds-based Countrylarge tabled the proposal to create the 17-bedroom scheme on the floors above the Oliver Bonas store on James Street.
Aparthotels are serviced apartments with a hotel-style booking system. London-based operator, Beyond, was brought in to run to the aparthotel, if the plans were approved.
However, in November 2022, Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan on the grounds that the scheme would “not enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area”.
The developer has since taken the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.
In documents submitted to the body, the developer said the plan would not cause any harm to the existing buildings.
It said:
“The proposed additions respect the scale of the existing buildings on the site and the character of the other buildings in this part of the conservation area.
“It is therefore considered that the proposal will not cause any harm to the character and appearance of the existing buildings or the conservation area but will be an appropriate contemporary addition which will result in some enhancement to the character and appearance of the designated area.”
A government planning inspector will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
Read more:
- Harrogate council refuses James Street aparthotel plan
- Harrogate’s James Street to get 17-bedroom aparthotel
Harrogate’s Rachel Daly picked for England World Cup squad
Harrogate’s Rachael Daly has been picked for England’s World Cup squad this summer.
The Aston Villa striker will join the Lionesses for the tournament, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand in July.
England will open their World Cup campaign against Haiti on July 22 in the group stages.
The Lionesses will also face Denmark and China in Group D.
Daly will be hoping to replicate her club form going into the summer tournament.
The 31-year-old, who started her career at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, scored 22 goals last season and picked up the Women’s Super League golden boot.
The prestigious golden boot is awarded to the league’s top goalscorer and Daly’s total equals the all-time record.
She was also named as the Barclays’ Player of the Season.
Daly joined Villa from Houston Dash last summer and was a member of the England Lionesses team that won Euro 2022.
Earlier this month, she returned to Killinghall Nomads to open a cafe named after her.
Read more:
Olympic gold medalist Jonny Brownlee to appear at Harrogate 10k
Olympic gold medalist Jonny Brownlee is set to appear at this year’s Harrogate 10k.
The annual event, which is celebrating its fifth year, will be held on Sunday, July 2, and start and finish at the Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre.
British triathlon star Brownlee will present prizes to the top three runners in each award category.
The 33-year-old has won three Olympic medals in his career, including bronze in the individual triathlon at London 2012 and silver in the same race at Rio 2016.
He went on to win gold in the mixed relay at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
The event organisers, local running club Harrogate Harriers, are gearing up for the event with over 90 members volunteering to accommodate runners of all levels.
The Harrogate 10k. Picture: Ray Thomson.
The race will also see a fun run with children in school years 2-5 completing 1.3 km, and years 6-9 completing 2.5 km.
Sue Moul, race director and Harrogate Harriers club member, said:
“Harrogate Harriers are looking forward to welcoming 1,000 runners back to the Harmony Energy Run Harrogate 10k and fun run in 2023.
“Our beautiful course through the Crimple Valley and our Kids Fun Run means that this is something all the family can enjoy. The support of Harmony Energy is crucial as it enables us to share our love of running with our wider community.”
Peter Kavanagh, CEO of Harmony Energy which sponsors the race, said:
“We’re delighted to be back supporting such a brilliant local event. It’s great to see people of all ages taking part.
“Good luck to all those participating.”
For more information on the race and how to take part, visit the event website here.
Read more:
Developer withdraws 88 home plan in Bishop Monkton
Developers have withdrawn plans for 88 new homes in Bishop Monkton.
Avant Homes tabled the plan for land off Moor Road in the village.
It would have seen a mixture of 53 market and 35 affordable homes built at the site.
However, the application proved controversial, with residents at Bishop Monkton Action Group objecting to the plan.
In a letter sent to North Yorkshire Council, the group raised concern over drainage at the site and described it as “hopelessly unfit for purpose”.
More than 250 people wrote to the authority to object to the plan.
Read more:
- Plan for 15 flats on former Pateley Bridge garage site rejected
- Council set to loan £500,000 to Harrogate housing company
A spokesperson for Bishop Monkton Action Group said the decision to withdraw the plan was “a victory for the village”.
In a planning statement to the council last year, Carter Jonas, which submitted the plan on behalf of Alfa Homes, described the site as a “highly sustainable location”.
It added:
Arrest warrant issued for couple charged with fraud in Harrogate district“As discussed, the proposal is in a sustainable and accessible location within reasonable walking distance of bus services and local services in Bishop Monkton.”
An arrest warrant has been issued for a couple charged with fraud in the Harrogate district.
John Carnell, 70, and Jacqueline Carnell, 73, were due to appear before York Crown Court yesterday for a pre-trail hearing.
The couple have been charged with a string of fraud and theft charges which are alleged to have happened between July 2014 and December 2018.
They included dishonestly claiming to have wealth of £24 million to gain a tenancy on a house in the Harrogate district.
Both initially denied the charges when they appeared via video link at Harrogate Magistrates Court from their home in Loule, Portugal, on April 28.
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However, the couple failed to appear at York Crown Court in person to enter formal pleas.
As a result, Judge Simon Hickey issued a warrant for their arrest.
A further pre-trial hearing has been listed for July 21, 2023.