The government has rejected a plan to build 13 homes on a former Ripon timber yard.

Red Tree Developments wanted to demolish buildings at the site of the former NY Timber yard to build the homes. The site on Trinity Lane was home to a timber yard from 1860 to 2018.

However, Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan in December 2020 on the grounds that the scheme would cause “unacceptable harm” to the Ripon Conservation Area.

The developer took the authority to appeal. However, the government’s Planning Inspectorate has now dismissed the challenge.

Zoe Raygen, planning inspector, rejected the proposal on the grounds that the scheme did not have sufficient ground investigations and the impact on nearby heritage assets.

She said:

“The loss of the undesignated heritage asset would be harmful and would cause harm to heritage assets, but this harm would be outweighed by the benefits of the proposal.

“The proposal is in conflict with Policy NE9 of the Local Plan, and given the implications for stability and safety of future occupiers, this brings it into conflict with the development plan as a whole.

“The material considerations I describe above are not sufficient to outweigh that conflict in this instance.”

Read more:

• Developer appeals refusal of 13-home Ripon scheme
• New plans submitted for redevelopment of former Ripon timber yard site

Jay Everett, a planning consultant who submitted the appeal on behalf of Red Tree, said the loss of the timber yard building would offer “no contribution to the setting”.

Red Tree bought the 0.64-acre plot, which is adjacent to the listed buildings, Holy Trinity Church of England Junior School and St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church, from Cairngorm Capital for an undisclosed sum in 2020.

In its original planning application, the developer said the timber yard, which is not listed, must be replaced due to its “poor state of repair”.

Meanwhile, Red Tree lodged a separate application for the site in February.

The new proposal seeks consent for the change of use and conversion of the former warehouse space to form 12 houses.

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Ripon auctioneers has announced a new name and sales structure.

Elstob & Elstob, based on Charter Road, has re-branded as Elstob Auctioneers following a change in direction that positions David Elstob as the sole director of the company.

The company has also revealed a new logo and signage to mark the change.

Meanwhile, it has also restructured its auction calendar which will see it host a four-weekly Fine Art and Antiques Sale. 

The first sale in the new schedule will take place over three days from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 May, starting each day at 9.30am. 

David Elstob, director at Elstob Auctioneers, said:

“We like to have a close dialogue with our customers and always listen carefully to any feedback they might have.

“A common theme from buyers was that they would prefer to have sales containing a mixture of items which makes browsing though the catalogues more engaging with a greater opportunity of spotting pieces of interest.

“Moving our sales to the end of the week and including a Saturday will also enable more people to take part and the regularity of a monthly auction will mean that people can anticipate the timing of the sales.”

For more information on the auction house, visit the Elstob Auctioneers website here.

Pictured above: Left to Right: David Elstob (Director); Melanie Saleem (Jewellery Specialist and General Valuer); Camilla Rawlinson (Saleroom Manager); Nigel Whitfield (Photographer); Henrietta Graham (Consultant); and Rohan McCulloch (Paintings and Sculpture Specialist).

Harrogate accountancy firm staff to take on three peaks challenge

Staff at a Harrogate accountancy firm are set to tackle the three peaks to raise money for charity.

A dozen employees at Saffery Champness will tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks on June 17.

The team at Saffery Champness which are taking on the three peaks.

The firm is taking on the challenge to raise money for Marie Curie, a charity which has had a personal impact on some of those taking part.

Kathryn Belton, senior manager at Saffery Champness, said:

“We plan team building and social events throughout the year, but there was a real consensus that this challenge should be about more than just having a good time together.

“Some of those involved have experienced the fantastic work of Marie Curie and so we are really hoping to smash our target of £2,200 for this great cause.”

To donate to Saffery Champness’ fundraising challenge, visit the donation page here.

Read more:

• Harrogate salon to close after 15 years
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate family launches UK’s first stocked German kitchen business

The organisers behind the Yorkshire Warrior obstacle course have announced the event will not take place this year.

The annual obstacle challenge, which includes 20km, 15km, 10km and a 3km event for juniors, was due to be held at Ripley Castle.

In a post on its website and social media, organisers said rising costs of materials and services had led to the decision.

It said:

“We are truly gutted to announce that there will be no Yorkshire Warrior events taking place this year. 

“This is due to a number of reasons but mainly the rising costs of materials, services and health and safety. 

“We really do hope to come back in 2024 with some new and exciting events, but for now we are taking a break.”

The extreme obstacle challenge was founded in 2013 by Ian and Danielle Bush.

Read more

• Harrogate district pub unveils new-look beer garden
• More rail strikes in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week

Police have issued a warning today over a recent spate of moped and motorcycle thefts in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire Police said the area had seen a “spike” in thefts, particularly of mopeds.

The force added mopeds had often been taken without keys, with secure locks being cut off.

In a statement, police said:

“Our area has seen a recent spike in the theft of motorcycles, predominantly mopeds.

“Often these are being taken without keys, with secure locks cut off before being driven around then discarded.

“Please take extra care when securing motorcycles, and preferably keep them out of sight. If you have any information about the thefts, please call us on 101, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Read more:

• Leeds United star fined for speeding by Harrogate magistrates
• Harrogate man jailed for ‘sexualised’ online chats with young girls
• North Yorkshire Police ‘still needs to improve’ on child safeguarding, say inspectors

North Yorkshire Police also issued an appeal today over a spate of bike thefts in Harrogate.

The force continues to investigate the thefts, which happened on Saturday, April 8.

Police released a 50-year-old man on conditional bail in connection with the incident.

A bus company has defended an increase in fares for a Nidderdale school service after the cost rose to nearly £1,000 a year.

The price of a bus from Ripon to Nidderdale High School jumped from £600 to £950 for the forthcoming school year starting in September.

The figure amounts to a 58% increase in price compared with the previous academic year.

Procters Coaches, which runs the bus, said diesel costs, wages and insurance meant the cost had to be passed on.

Jennie Eyres, who lives in Ripon, has a daughter heading to the school this September.

She said that she was “astonished” to find the hike in cost when she was looking to send her child to Nidderdale.

Ms Eyres said:

“As a parent with a child intending to start at Nidderdale in September, travelling from Ripon, I was astonished to find out how expensive the bus was, and even more so to find out the huge hike in price that has happened since the previous academic year.

“We are all very aware of costs going up all around us at the moment, and to an extent we do understand. However this is much more than the 10,15 or even 20% rise that could potentially be expected.”

Ms Eyres said diesel prices had actually gone down since the middle of last summer, and should not be cited as a reason for the fare increase, adding:

“The cost of insurance has increased by 20% and wages approximately 10% – neither of these are figures that back up the increase of almost 60%.”

Read more:

• Two Harrogate primary schools to install solar panels
• Tim Milburn appointed headteacher of Harrogate’s Rossett School

Nidderdale High, which has 401 pupils on its roll, said it had subsidised the cost that had been passed on as part of the bus contract.

Kath Jordan, headteacher at the school, pointed out that governors had taken the decision to subsidise the cost “very significantly” despite the hike.

She added that officials at Nidderdale were mindful of the cost of living when setting prices for parents.

She said:

“The governing body were very mindful of cost of living pressures this year when making the difficult decision to increase the cost of bus passes and have increased the level of subsidy paid by the school to keep the cost to parents as low as possible, whilst also trying to balance this against the increased cost pressures on the overall school budget.

“The Ripon bus service is used entirely by families who live outside the school’s catchment area and therefore are not entitled to free transport to school provided by the local authority. There isn’t a public bus service available for families to use. Families who choose Nidderdale High School and live out of catchment are responsible for transport to school.

“We are delighted that so many families from beyond our immediate catchment area have recognised the high quality of education and care for the individual that we offer at Nidderdale High School and have made the positive choice to be part of our school community.”

Kevin Procter, managing director at Procters Coaches, said his company had to handle the cost of inflation like other businesses.

Mr Procter, who has run the school bus for six years, said he sympathised with parents but had to make the service cost-effective.

He said:

“Things go up in price and do not go down, unfortunately.”

Promotion and winning a title would be an astonishing achievement for any sports team in their first season.

But for Knaresborough Town Women, it was particularly remarkable.

The squad was formed, took pre-season and kicked off their campaign all within a matter of weeks in the summer of 2022.

For Sarah Parkes, vice-captain, and Emily Crispin, midfielder and team physio, the season was a whirlwind.

Sarah, 26, joined Town after playing for Harrogate Railway, while Leeds-born Emily moved from Harrogate Town.

The pair were keen footballers from being youngsters. 

Sarah’s Dad was an academy coach at Leeds United. She said she had little choice but to grow up kicking a ball around.

“Our family is quite interested in football.

“My dad coached Leeds United for 25 years for the academy. He was very focussed on bringing up me, my two brothers and my sister and getting us involved in football.”

Meanwhile, Emily, 25, caught the bug around six-years-old after playing in mixed teams with the boys at primary school in Leeds.

“I played with the boys team and then we ended up having a girls team.

“I think one of the girl’s played outside of school and her dad approached my dad. My dad liked sport, but he was never interested in football. It just went from there, really.”

Sarah Parkes in action Knaresborough Town Women.

Knaresborough Town Women did not exist some 12 months ago.

The side started out in July last year, with trials being held at Knaresborough Celtic for players aged 16 and over.

Sarah found out about the set up through family. Her brothers are both involved with the men’s side, with Simon the manager and club captain Ben

“It’s a very family club. We have a lot of friends and family involved in it.

“It was a no brainer coming to Knaresborough.”

For Emily, the move to Knaresborough was different.

Emily Crispin, who is also club physio.

She knew Ged Maloney, who helped set up the women’s side, from college. Ged was also involved with Harrogate Town, where Emily was playing the previous season.

At the time, Emily says she was “in between” whether to play or to take on physio – something which she studied at university.

In the end, she ended up doing both and has been the team’s physio while also helping lead the side to promotion.

Pre-season to champions

It was a quick turn around for Knaresborough Town.

Both Emily and Sarah had two weeks from pre-season, which was overseen by head coach Mike Bligh, to kicking off the season.

The pair prepared for the campaign by sharing facilities with the men’s side, including the playing home games at Manse Lane.

Town were thrown in the deep end against one of the league favourites Field Ladies FC for the first fame of the season.

Sarah said:

“It was very intimidating not knowing anyone and then we had to go into the first game after only meeting each other around four or five times at training.

“It was nerve wracking, but after that first game we got to know each other a bit more.”

Knaresborough Town Women clinched the title at Bradford City in April.

However, the club went on to win promotion, sometimes winning games at a canter.

Along the way, they clocked up scores such as 15-0 against Leeds Hyde Park and 22-0 against Wakefield.

Once promotion was confirmed, the title was clinched with a 1-0 win away at Bradford City in April.

‘There is demand for women’s football’

With the success of England’s Lionesses at the Euros and the rise of the Women’s Super League, women’s football has seen success over the past couple of years.

For Sarah, who grew up in Knaresborough, this has been demonstrated locally.

“I think more people want to get more involved. 

“When I left Harrogate Railway, they set up a reserve team with the amount of interest they have got. 

“I’m hoping that Knaresborough Town will get similar interest and set up a development squad or something for people who want to get involved in football to come and get started at Knaresborough.”

Emily said women have proven that the demand is there for girls to get involved in football.

She points to the 60,000 people who attended last week’s Women’s Champions League game between Arsenal and Wolfsburg at the Emirates as an example.

“The demand is there. It’s amazing.

“We have clearly proven the demand is there if you women the platform to play in those type of stadiums.”

This is the second article in a series of Sporting Spotlight interviews. If you have any local sporting heroes who you think should be featured, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.

A former Ripon Grammar School student designed the dress which Queen Camilla wore to today’s coronation ceremony.

Bruce Oldfield, 72, came up with the idea for the white silk dress which Camilla wore during proceedings at Westminster Abbey and later at Buckingham Palace.

Queen Camilla’s outfit was also embroidered with roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks to represent the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Mr Oldfield has been designing Queen Camilla’s dresses for more than a decade.

The 72-year-old grew up in Ripon after moving to West Mount, a Dr Barnados Care Home, when he was 13.

He went on to study at Ripon Grammar School before pursuing a career as a fashion designer.

Mr Oldfield told the BBC that Her Majesty was “wonderful to collaborate with”.

Read more:

• Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation
• Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’, say residents

Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.

Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.

The forecast showers stayed away as those in attendance witnessed His Majesty’s coronation and procession down the Mall.

For Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, of Community Stars CIC, the event was much needed for family and friends in the town.

The pair hosted a bakery and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.

Clare said:

“It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”

Emma Jenner and Clare Robinson, of Community Stars CIC.

As the afternoon wore on, children started to take advantage of the craft and face painting stalls on offer.

A big screen in place at the event showed King Charles entering the Buckingham Palace balcony, which was met with plenty of flag waving and cheers.

Bob Godsell, activities chairman at Knaresborough Lions, said the event was reward for everything the town has been through over the past few years.

Bob, who hosted the bar at Knaresborough House, said:

“I’m glad that the weather has been better.

“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”

Read more:

• Coronation celebrations underway in Harrogate district
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation

The Harrogate district is celebrating today’s coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey

The Stray Ferret will be reporting from across the district today as the celebrations begin for the weekend.

Don’t forget to send in pictures from your coronation parties to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on our Facebook page.

You can follow all our coverage below.

5.15pm – Thanks for joining us

Thanks for joining us for today’s coverage of the coronation from across the Harrogate district.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories from across the district as the celebrations continue into Sunday.

4.30pm – The former Ripon Grammar School student behind Queen Camilla’s dress

Did you know the designer of Queen Camilla’s dress for today’s coronation is a former Ripon Grammar School pupil?

Bruce Oldfield, 72, was a student at the school in the 1960s.

Read more here.

Queen Camilla pictured in her white silk dress.

3.51pm – Knaresborough coronation event ‘good for the town’

Residents in Knaresborough have spoken of how a coronation event was much needed for the town.

Hundreds flocked to Knaresborough House today to celebrate King Charles III being coronated.

Read more here.

2.30pm – HADCA looking for volunteers

There’s still time to take part in the The Big Help Out and do good in your community by volunteering on Monday.

Voluntary sector organisation HADCA is urging those interested in taking part on Monday — or any other time — to get in touch.

https://twitter.com/KarenWeaver2020/status/1654837633422327808

2.25pm – Are you volunteering or having a street party?

Today is day one of three of the Stray Ferret’s live coverage of the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Will you be volunteering as part of the Big Help Out? Or is your street holding a street party?

If so, let us know and we will try to come along or you can send us photos on the day and we will include them in our coverage. It’s easy – email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or DM us on Facebook.

2.14pm – ‘This is good for Knaresborough’

Our roving reporter Calvin is still out and about in Knaresborough. He just met Bob Godsell, of Knaresborough Lions, which is running the bar at today’s big event at Knaresborough House.

Bob said the Knaresborough House celebration was much needed:

“This is good for the town, especially after the past few years that we have had.”

1.54pm – Community Stars selling treats

Clare Robinson and Emma Jenner, from Community Stars CIC, have done so much to revive access to facilities at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

Today they have a bake and sandwich stall at Knaresborough House.

Clare said: “It’s started to pick up this afternoon. It’s just been a lovely family day for the town.”

1.36pm – Knaresborough House big screen

Hundreds of people are gathered at Knaresborough House to watch the newly coronated King Charles III procession down the Mall. Plenty of stalls are also on offer, including face painting, treats and crafts.

12.47pm – St Edward’s crown replica at Grantley Hall

The venue near Ripon has tweeted about its impressive floral creation.

To celebrate the #Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III & Queen Camilla, we have recreated the St Edward's Crown using flowers to commemorate the Coronation by celebrating His Majesty's passion for gardening. #KingCharlesIII #NationalGardeningWeek pic.twitter.com/I2VRPLaroF

— Grantley Hall (@GrantleyHall_) May 6, 2023

12.40pm – Schools fly the flag

Many local primary schools had coronation themed events yesterday and have adorned their buildings in union flags. Here’s Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School’s fine effort.

12.15pm – Businesses show their colours

Businesses across the Harrogate district have also been decorating for this weekend.

11.40am – Betsy gets coronation ready

Even pets are getting in the coronation spirit.

Sue has shared this picture with us of her pug Betsy ready for the celebrations.

11.30am – Valley Gardens gets in the coronation spirit

People have flocked to Valley Gardens in Harrogate for the coronation today.

The gardens were full of rides, stalls and amusements as the celebrations got underway this morning.

A big screen was also in place next to the Sun Pavilion, where people gathered to watch the coronation ceremony get underway at 11am.

People took there sits decked in bunting, hats and flags while children ran around enjoying the rides and food stalls on display.

10.58am – Ripon Cathedral livestream gets underway

People have been taking their seats at Ripon Cathedral, to see the live streaming of the coronation service from Westminster Abbey. It is being viewed on strategically placed television screens. Among those in attendance were Mr and Mrs Alex Petherbridge and their daughters Tabitha, Silvia and Claudia.

10.10am – Harrogate and Knaresborough primed for coronation

Both Harrogate and Knaresborough have been decorated in coronation colours this week ahead of the weekend.

Harrogate’s Valley Gardens is set to host a big screen today showing the ceremony.

Meanwhile, flowers have been put up in Knaresborough and a screen is set to be in place at Knaresborough House today as part of the celebrations.

10.05am – Flowers in place at Ripon Cathedral

Floral displays created by the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club are in place at the ancient building to illustrate the stages of the coronation ceremony.

10am – Fountains Abbey to be lit up purple

Fountains Abbey near Ripon will be lit up purple this Sunday as part of the coronation celebrations.

Below is a sneak peek of how the abbey will look in the “Lighting Up The Nation” event.

The lighting up is not a public event.

9.54am – Lauren Doherty in attendance at Westminster Abbey

Knaresborough road safety campaigner Lauren Doherty is in attendance for today’s coronation ceremony in London.

She’s shared this picture on her social media as she heads to Westminster Abbey this morning.

9.47am – Ripon kicks off celebrations

Ripon kicked off the coronation celebrations in style last night.

Residents were rocking as the ancient city kicked off celebrations for the new king and queen with an eve of coronation concert.

With connections to monarchy going back to 886 AD, when Alfred the Great is said to have recognised the bravery of locals for fighting off a Viking incursion with the award of a ceremonial horn, Ripon has remained staunchly royal and loyal.

Read more here.

9.45am – Welcome to our coronation blog

Welcome to the Stray Ferret’s live blog for the coronation weekend.

We’ll be across the district reporting the celebrations as they happen.

If you’re still unsure about where to go to join in the fun of today’s proceedings, you can find out all the events on our coronation guide here.

Read more:

• Fireworks display for Ripon’s coronation celebrations
• How Ripon Catherdal is marking the coronation

Councillors met today to decide whether the controversial Harrogate Station Gateway scheme should go ahead.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee decided to back the £11.2 million project – but with conditions.

Here’s what happened.

1.15pm – Meeting ends

The area constituency committee meeting has ended.

Thanks for following our coverage throughout the morning.

1.06pm – Committee votes to welcome Station Gateway investment with conditions

Cllr Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat, has tabled a motion to welcome the investment in the scheme with conditions, including that concerns of residents are listened to as the project is developed and that the committee has a “meaningful role” in the implementation of the scheme.

The committee will also ask for a full report on the progress in the Autumn.

The committee votes to approve the motion by eight to three.

12.45pm – ‘It’s the wrong scheme’, says committee chair

Cllr Pat Marsh, Liberal Democrat and committee chair, says she is against the scheme.

She describes the project as “the wrong scheme” for the town.

Cllr Marsh says she is not against cycling and is looking for the best project for the town. She describes the project as “piecemeal”.

12.42pm – Otely Road scheme ‘taken away public confidence’

Cllr Monika Slater, Liberal Democrat, tells officers that the Otley Road cycle route has “taken away the public confidence” in the council delivering infrastructure schemes.

The council decided not to proceed with the scheme after building the first section of the route.

Meanwhile, Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Liberal Democrat, says she has felt “conflicted” over the scheme.

However, she says the scheme should be used as a “starting block” for active travel.

12.30pm – ‘The easiest thing to do would be to do nothing’

Cllr Michael Harrison, Conservative, says as a councillor the “easiest thing to do would be to do nothing”.

He agrees with Cllr Warneken’s comments and adds that making a decision to do anything in Harrogate “is difficult”.

Cllr Paul Haslam, Conservative, proposes that the committee endorses the scheme.

The public gallery is steadily emptying, after more than two hours of the meeting. Fewer than half of the seats are now occupied.

Those remaining are still listening intently, and are vocally opposing anyone who speaks in favour of the scheme. However, they are far fewer in number than earlier in the morning.

12.25pm – ‘If we don’t do something, when are we going to do something?’

Cllr Arnold Warneken, Green Party, asks the committee if it does nothing on the gateway today, “when are we going to do something?”

He takes a swipe at Cllr Walker “for politicising this”.

He adds:

“We all have an opportunity to have our say. I can see the huge benefits of this.

“It’s a catalyst for making change.”

12.20pm – ‘It’s a £11m vanity project’

Heading into debate, Cllr Matt Walker, Liberal Democrat, starts by describing the scheme as a £11m vanity project.

He says the council’s strategic review as “flimsy” and delivering “nothing of benefit”.

However, Cllr John Mann, Conservative, says “on balance” there is more advantages than disadvantages.

“What a surprise” shout members of the public as Cllr Mann declares his support.

12.10pm – ‘No queuing to Ripley’

Cllr Chris Aldred, Liberal Democrat, asks whether any of the traffic will back up to Ripley as a result of the work.

Mr Binks says there will be no queuing to the area.

In response, someone in the public gallery shouts “It already does”.

12.05pm – Impact on business

Cllr Michael Schofield asks why no consultation was done “properly” with business and why no business impact assessment was done.

Mr Roberts says a business impact assessment is “not normally carried out” on this type of scheme.

“So they don’t care, then,” say people in the gallery.

11.57am – First investment in Harrogate in 30 years

Mr Binks says the gateway scheme is “definitely an economic driver”.

He adds its an opportunity for Harrogate to have its first significant investment in 30 years.

Mr Binks ends his presentation and takes questions from councillors.

11.55am – ‘There’s a lot of parking opportunity in Harrogate’

Mr Binks says Harrogate already has “a lot of parking opportunity” as he outlines the loss of 40 spaces as a result of the scheme.

He adds that Harrogate has some 7,000 parking spaces, if Asda and Waitrose are included. As a result, he says the spaces lost would amount to 0.6% of the overall figure.

11.45am – Council data ‘is accurate and validated’

Mr Binks says the council’s plan for Station Parade is justified as the authority commissioned a study into the road using computer modelling over traffic.

He says:

“We have got that raw data to suggest what we are doing is accurate and validated.”

He adds that the drive from Kings Road to Station Parade has eight set of traffic lights which cause a delay in journey times.

Mr Binks says the flow of traffic is affected by the number of traffic signals – not the reduction from two lanes to one.

11.40am – Council acknowledges opinion is split

Council officers acknowledge that opinions on the scheme are “split down the middle”.

They also acknowledge that concern has been raised about the “impact on business”.

11.32am – Town centres ‘are changing’

Mr Roberts says town centres “are changing” and that the status quo “is not sustainable”.

In his presentation, Mr Roberts says 77% of people responded to a consultation to say that walking and cycling infrastructure needed to improve.

It’s pointed out that the £11.2m must be spent on physical infrastructure. It cannot be spent on areas such as improving bus services.

“Get the pavements sorted then!” shouts one woman from the public gallery.

11.25am – ‘We want to make Harrogate better’

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, opens his statement by saying he has 35 years experience in delivering regeneration schemes.

He adds:

“We genuinely want to make Harrogate better. It is the jewel in the crown of North Yorkshire.”

He hands over to his colleague, Matt Roberts, who says the council is “seeking a balanced approach” for people to get around town.

He adds:

“This is not about stopping cars.”

11.20am – ‘Not seeking your blind support’

Cllr Duncan tells the committee that he is “not seeking your unconditional, blind support”.

He says the executive will consider all views from the committee before the executive meeting in 25 days time.

11.17am – Gateway ‘not a perfect solution’

The meeting resumes and opens with Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, says the gateway scheme is “not a total and perfect solution”.

However, he adds that it is an “opportunity to change the town centre”.

He points out that there are 25 days left until the council’s executive makes a decision. He adds that he wants to use those days to “ensure we have the strongest case” for the project, including consulting with the committee.

A handful of people have left the public gallery during the break. Some of the most vocal opponents remain, however, and have already been shouting their views in opposition to Cllr Duncan’s statements.

11am – Committee breaks

Councillors have taken a break at the end of public questions for 10 minutes.

Mr Binks, head of major projects, is set to give a presentation when the meeting resumes.

10.55am – Harrogate Chamber of Commerce does not support gateway

Martin Mann, acting chief executive of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, tells the committee that the chamber does not support the scheme.

Mr Mann points out that construction of the scheme could go on for “two to three years” due to other works planned by utility companies.

10.47am – Gateway scheme ‘not the way forward’

Frances Holroyd, who owns property in Princes Square in Harrogate, describes the scheme as “not the way forward”.

She goes on to add that the scheme should be “rejected in its entirety” and calls on the council to work with local businesses.

More applause from some in the public gallery.

10.42am – Investing in gateway for visitors and reducing carbon

Jemima Parker, of Zero Carbon Harrogate, starts her statement by pointing out local authorities who have made investment in gateway schemes and have also “made a public climate emergency”.

“What has that got to do with Harrogate?” people call as she refers to other towns with what she deems better infrastructure around their public transport.

Ms Parker points at the gateway scheme offers “modest carbon reductions”.

10.36am – Lack of vision ‘alarming’

Veronica Adams, another resident, reads from some of Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam’s views.

She says that Mr Neesam found that council’s often had a “clear vision” which they shared with the public. But goes onto add that he found the current authority’s lack of vision “alarming”.

10.30am – ‘This is not Holland, it’s Harrogate’

Judy D’Arcy-Thompson, a resident and part of the Stray Defence Association, says that the scheme would take away the “freedom and flexibility” of residents while also discriminating against the elderly.

She adds:

“This is not Holland, it’s hilly and often very chilly Harrogate.”

Meanwhile, Barry Adams, of the Harrogate Residents’ Association, adds that Harrogate is “not against change”, but describes the gateway scheme as “meaningless”.

Mr Adams goes on to add that the scheme “will not solve congestion in Harrogate”.

10.23am – ‘Wrong scheme at the wrong time’

More concern from business owners at William Woods, of Independent Harrogate, says the project is the “wrong scheme at the wrong time”.

Mr Woods asks why no public meeting was called to discuss the project. The public gallery applauds again.

Mr Woods’ question over whether the decision was democratic let to calls of “well done, well said” from the public gallery.

He adds:

“If you really care about Harrogate, you must reject this scheme.”

10.20am – Changes could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future

Andrew Brown, of Harrogate Civic Society, says the move to change Station Parade could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future.

He said the society is concerned over potential tailbacks, the pedestrianisation of James Street and public realm changes to Station Square.

Members of the public say “yeah!” and applaud when the civic society raises concerns about the impact on traffic.

10.15am – Concern over deliveries to Station Parade businesses

Sue Savill, of Party Fever on Station Parade, says that the cost to local businesses would “be devastating”.

She raises concern over deliveries to businesses on Station Parade.

Her speech is met with applause from half of the public gallery.

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, said he “empathised” with Ms Savill over her concerns. He added that he was happy to take the concern on board to adjust the project.

10.10am – Harrogate should ‘welcome investment’

Kevin Douglas, from Harrogate District Cycle Action, starts the statements.

He says Harrogate should “welcome the investment”. He adds that the scheme will help to “improve the town centre”.

Mr Douglas adds:

“This will not prevent people from driving in the town centre, if they want to.”

He calls on councillors to support the gateway scheme.

10am – Meeting starts

The meeting is underway and will start with questions and statements from the public.

Both Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, and Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, are in attendance to observe proceedings.

The public gallery is packed and more chairs are being brought in as members of the public continue to arrive.

9.27am – Pedestrian projects elsewhere

The report also suggests towns and cities that have been made more pedestrian-friendly have seen an increase in visitor numbers, and a boost to local businesses.

It says:

“For example, investment to make the Piccadilly area of Stoke-on-Trent more pedestrian-friendly led to a 30% increase in footfall there, whereas footfall increased by up to 35% on streets where the pedestrian experience had been improved in Scotland.

“The introduction of a pedestrianisation scheme in Coventry also led to a 25% rise in footfall on Saturdays and the trial closure of some roads in Cheltenham in 2018 similarly had a positive effect on the number of visitors to the local high street.”

9.24am – Recommended for approval

Unsurprisingly, the officer’s report to the committee about the scheme recommends that it is approved.

It argues the town centre is “at risk of decline” if nothing is done to make it more appealing and fit for modern needs. It says:

“The number of retail units in Harrogate has reduced by 12% in seven years with more at risk of becoming residential properties via new powers for permitted development changes in use class.

“Of the 92 retail units directly abutting the highways within the Station Gateway site, 15 were vacant in September 2021 (16%). This can be compared with a vacancy rate of 6% across the wider town centre. 

“Evidence suggests that the town centre retail sector is at risk of decline in the medium term. Consumer behaviours and expectations are evolving, and towns must diversify and advance to maintain healthy and vibrant visitor economies. The scheme is seeking to do just this. “

9.20am – Background to the scheme

The gateway scheme is financed by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund and looks set to cost £11.2 million.

It would see a bus lane and two-way cycle space introduced on Station Parade, with traffic reduced to one lane.

Cheltenham Mount would become a one-way street, while James Street would be partially pedestrianised from Princes Street eastwards.

Improvements would be made to junctions and crossings on Cheltenham Parade and Station Parade, and to the roundabout near the Odeon cinema on East Parade. There would also be work to the One Arch underpass, Station Square and the length of Station Parade to create a more welcoming environment.

Read more:

• Stray Views: Time for councillors to back Harrogate Station Gateway
• Dutch-style roundabout ditched from £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway