Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter, Author at The Stray Ferret

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”.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

“As discussed, the proposal is in a sustainable and accessible location within reasonable walking distance of bus services and local services in Bishop Monkton.”

Arrest warrant issued for couple charged with fraud in Harrogate district

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.

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.

North Yorkshire councillors back £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway project

Senior North Yorkshire councillors have backed plans to submit a full business case for the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive met this morning and voted unanimously to approve the plan, which moves the project a step closer.

Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors voted to support it at a meeting on May 5.

Today’s decision means a 300-metre stretch of Station Parade will be reduced to single lane traffic and James Street partly pedestrianised to encourage cycling and walking.

Station Square will undergo a major overhaul, with the ‘little temple’ outside Victoria Shopping Centre destroyed.

Cllr Keane Duncan, Conservative executive councillor for highways, said today that work on the project is expected to start in winter this year.

However, Cllr Pat Marsh, Liberal Democrat chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee, urged the councillors not to go-ahead with the project.

She said:

“Do not go forward with this scheme. This scheme starts nowhere and goes nowhere.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Duncan confirmed that the council had received a 2,000-signature petition objecting to the plan.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Chris Aldred, who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley, said there had been “a lot of hyperbole” about the scheme. He called for councillors to “focus on the actuality”.

He said:

“The scheme as described does have some benefits.

“I think I am right in saying that there is a small carbon gain.”

Cllr Aldred called for the council to “talk with residents and businesses” when implementing the project.

Meanwhile, Conservative Cllr Sam Gibbs, who represents Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate, said while the scheme did divide opinion, he felt it should be progressed.

He said:

“I am here to get on with this scheme. We cannot kick this down the road any longer.”

The move comes as Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director of environment, said in a report that the project would arrest town centre decline by increasing footfall, even though many businesses remain opposed.

There are also concerns about other aspects of the scheme, including congestion and parking, and the impact on the town centre during construction.

But Mr Battersby suggested the gateway could be the start of a wider town centre redevelopment. His report said the project will “provide a central active travel ‘hub’ from which ‘spokes’ of further improvements can radiate”.

However, Mr Battersby also warned that if the final cost exceeds budget, savings would be made by either reviewing the materials or “descoping” the project.

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