More detail needed on Harrogate district parish council devolved powers, says councillor

More detail is needed on plans to give Harrogate district parish councils more powers, says a Knaresborough town councillor.

North Yorkshire Council will take charge of all local government in the county on April 1. The seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, and North Yorkshire County Council, will be abolished.

Under a pilot scheme, lower-tier authorities will be offered the chance to manage more local services as part of a “double devolution” approach designed to prevent too much power being centralised in Northallerton.

It could see Ripon City Council, Knaresborough Town Council, Pateley Bridge Town Council and others in North Yorkshire take on more powers over assets and services.

However, Cllr David Goode, a town councillor in Knaresborough, has said the devil will be in the detail on the proposals.

He pointed out that the country faces another round of austerity measures in the coming years, which may impact on what services could be given to lower-tier councils.

He said:

“At this stage, the opportunity is to participate in a number of pilot projects in 2023, but a more substantial programme of discussions on transfers will not start until 2024 and the reality is that the development of opportunities for assets management and service delivery will take many years to evolve.

“What is not discussed in detail at this time is the potential impact of another round of austerity cuts from central government and what impact these may have on the delivery of services by the new North Yorkshire Council.

“A key future role for town and parish councils may be to offer alternative solutions to local residents for potential service solutions that could replace those being withdrawn.

“For such a programme to be successful it will be very important for a town council like Knaresborough’s to truly engage with the community, such that local residents are fully engaged in decision making about the town council developing new and innovative service solutions that could replace disappearing services, that residents value, but may not be part of any transfer deal from North Yorkshire Council.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Andrew Williams, the leader of Ripon City Council, said:

“We very much welcome the move by North Yorkshire County Council’s executive to establish a policy on double devolution to town and parish councils.

“The report that will be considered on Tuesday is exactly what were told it would be, so it is very much full steam ahead and I have high hopes that Ripon will be leading the way on this issue.”

‘Double devolution’

Councils will be able to propose taking on a wide range of assets and services, rather than picking from a list.

However, the county council intends to make it clear that proposals to take on decision-making powers, such as planning or traffic regulation, will not be considered.

It would also not consider “expressions of interest with regard to services and assets that generate a significant net income for the new council”.

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Once invited, local councils will have until March 2023 to express an interest in taking on more services.

In a report due before the county council’s executive on November 8, Neil Irving, assistant director of partnerships, said:

“Double devolution is entirely separate from the proposed devolution deal between the government and the local authorities in York and North Yorkshire.

“Double devolution has operated for over 10 years in some other parts of the country, including Cornwall and Wiltshire. 

“There is also significant experience of existing councils in North Yorkshire successfully transferring services and assets to community groups and to town and parish councils.”

Council appoints London consultants to draw up North Yorkshire growth strategy

An £89,537 contract to draw up a strategy to grow the economy in North Yorkshire has been handed to a London company.

North Yorkshire County Council has commissioned Steer-ED to carry out the work on behalf of the upcoming North Yorkshire Council.

The new authority will come into force on April 1, 2023.

The Stray Ferret asked the county council whether it had considered local companies for the work and if the strategy could have been drawn up by its own staff.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“The advent of the new North Yorkshire Council provides us with an opportunity to create a county-wide strategy to drive forward economic growth and support existing businesses while attracting new enterprise.

“Working with council officers, Steer-ED will produce a new county-wide economic growth strategy which will be guided by extensive consultations and engagement with a number of key organisations. This will help us maximise North Yorkshire’s economic potential and drive inward investment across the county.

“Steer-ED was appointed following a competitive procurement process, and the contract was awarded in accordance with the procurement framework requirements. The framework consists of 41 consultants from across the country, and all were invited to tender for the contract.

“Our economic development teams will work very closely with Steer-ED. The decision was taken to recruit consultants to provide an important external perspective as well as ensuring there is additional capacity so the work is completed soon after the launch of the new North Yorkshire Council on April 1 next year.”

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The move is the latest contract to be awarded to a national firm as the county council transitions towards the new North Yorkshire Council.

In July, the Stray Ferret revealed that four consultancy companies were awarded £5 million for “reorganisation support for North Yorkshire Council”.

The contract was awarded to KPMG, Price Waterhouse Cooper, PA Consulting Ltd and Capita Business Service Ltd.

However, councillors on the authority criticised the move as a “waste of money” and questioned whether it could have been better spent elsewhere.

Harrogate Town set for FA Cup Yorkshire derby at Bradford

Harrogate Town are set for a crunch Yorkshire derby in the FA Cup first round today.

Town travel to Bradford City for a 12.30pm kick off as they look to get their cup campaign off to a good start.

More than 300 Harrogate fans are set to head to Valley Parade, and planned strike action on the railways this weekend has been called off.

Town manager Simon Weaver said his side have to remain focussed if they want to get through to the next round.

He said:

“We will just have to make sure we are focussed and concentrated throughout the game.

“We know that if you allow Bradford to play then they have got some good quality players and are organised by a very good manager.

“We can’t take our eye off the ball throughout the entirety of the game. We have got to make sure we are on it.”

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Town will be hoping for a repeat of last season when they managed to beat League One side Portsmouth to make it to the third round.

Harrogate beat Bradford last season on their visit to Valley Parade. But the Bantams took the bragging rights last month at the EnviroVent Stadium with a 2-1 win.

City boss Mark Hughes has said his side are also eyeing a cup run this campaign.

Hughes said:

“I am looking forward to it. A local derby is always a good watch, and we are hoping for a big turnout.

“We want to progress in the cups this season. There clearly is a financial edge to going far, but the reality is, if you get to the third round, there are some good ties we want to be involved in.

“We will try and get there. Our intention is to stay in the competition for as long as we can.

“There is a real understanding within the squad about the history of the competition. The FA Cup is not on the same level, in terms of the prestige and standing, compared to other competitions.

“We have to navigate the game at the weekend. We have beaten them away from home, so there is no reason why we should not be confident.”

Harrogate groups ‘continue to oppose’ new Leeds conference venue

Harrogate Convention Centre bosses will continue to oppose a new Leeds venue after plans were given approval.

Yesterday, Leeds City Council backed proposals for a new conference centre near to Leeds First Direct Arena off Clay Pit Lane in the city.

The proposal faced objection from Harrogate Convention Centre, Destination Harrogate, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and Harrogate Business Improvement District.

The groups argued that the centre would drive away business from the town.

Paula Lorimer

Speaking following the approval, Paula Lorimer, director of the HCC, said the centre would continue to object to the plan in its current form.

She said:

“Unfortunately and as anticipated, the development was granted outline planning permission even though it is common sense that if you build a conference and events venue just 16 miles away from another and target the same customer base, trade diversion is inevitable.

“Harrogate Convention Centre will continue to oppose this development in its current form and we have agreed to have dialogue at a senior level with Leeds City Council in order to try and reach a compromise on the size and scope of the development.

“However, this demonstrates how important it is that HCC’s redevelopment is forthcoming and I am looking forward to working with North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council over the coming months in order to make the case for investment.”

An independent study commissioned by Leeds City Council suggested the impact on Harrogate Convention Centre would be minimal.

However this was, disputed by the objectors.

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Speaking at yesterday’s meeting, Martin Farrington, director of city development at the city council, said “standing still” was not an option for Leeds and that the facility was required to compete with the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool.

He said that he was aware of concerns from Harrogate, but added that the planned centre would have minimal impact on trade for the town.

Mr Farrington said:

“We know that new developments in Leeds can cause concern with our neighbours. We saw this with the development of the arena itself and Sheffield’s concern that the facility would undermine the core viability of Sheffield arena.

“Clearly, that didn’t happen. Rather, Sheffield progressed with their own refurbishment plans and invested in their facility to improve the quality of its facility for the wider benefits of the Yorkshire region.

“Holding back the development of Leeds to protect another facility was not the answer in 2010 and  this position remains today. 

“Indeed, in this instance, we know that Harrogate has plans for significant investment in its facilities which is something we whole heartedly support so that Harrogate conference and exhibition centre can continue to thrive.”

Fears for trees over plans to build 62 houses at Harrogate plant nursery

Pinewoods Conservation Group has called on Harrogate Borough Council to be “transparent” over a housing plan amid concerns over loss of green space.

The council looks set to press ahead with plans to build on the Harlow nursery site next to the woods.

Consultants hired by the local authority came up with two options this year. The first was to build 57 homes and flats. The second was to build 62 homes and flats with smaller gardens.

A report due before councillors next week recommends the 62-home option and invites expressions of interest for the land before proceeding to tender for a conditional sale.

The nursery, where the council cultivates plants for floral displays and sells plants to the public, falls within the 96-acre woodlands known as the Pinewoods.

A spokesperson for Pinewoods Conservation Group, a charity set up to protect the area, says it has concerns over the potential loss of green space due to the need for an access route.

They said the proposals indicate that trees would be lost and have called for the authority to be transparent with the group and address the concern.

The spokesperson added:

“We were pleased by the early consultation in May 2021 but had heard nothing since on plans or feedback regarding our initial concerns. The nursery site is a key across point to the Pinewoods used by hundreds of people every week, especially local residents.

“Whilst we are encouraged by the confirmation that it seems public access will continue, there will obviously be major disruption for a substantial period, and we suspect path closures during any development works. However, this is still likely to be several years away.”

They added:

“Our main concerns raised during the consultation were around proposals to widen Nursery Lane East, from the proposed development site to Harlow Moor Road. This is currently a single width track and we understand that the highways authority were looking for two-way access with associated footpath.

“This would likely require the loss of an area of the Pinewoods with this area being a designated green space under the local plan with additional protection under the Localism Act as an asset of community value.

“The published proposals seem to indicate the building on an additional access route that would result in loss of trees and green space.

“We would encourage the council to be transparent on its plans and engage further with groups such as us to help address the concerns already being raised.”

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In response to the concerns, a council spokesperson said:

“The existing horticultural nursery off Harlow Moor Road is allocated for new homes within the council’s adopted local plan. This site provides an exciting opportunity to deliver innovative, high-quality private and affordable homes to help meet the current housing demand.

“It is also hoped that this development will complement the surrounding area and provide a dedicated pedestrian and cycle tree-lined avenue at its heart.

“Any proposals for the development of the site would need to go through the formal planning process and at this stage no plans are yet to be submitted. Once an application has been submitted, community groups and members of the public will be able to share their views that will be considered through the planning process.

“If the proposal identifies any loss of trees, these will be replaced at a minimum ratio of 2:1 should the application be approved.”

Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update

No trains will run between Harrogate and Knaresborough towards York and Leeds tomorrow amid strike action.

Passengers also face disruption on Sunday as train operators urge people to check service times.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic and travel update.

Roads

As previously reported, five days of roadworks on the A658 Harrogate Road are taking place which may cause delays for drivers.

It will see motorists diverted along Crag Lane, The Sleights and Gravelly Hill Lane through North Rigton and Huby while work takes place.

The work is being carried out by North Yorkshire County Council to resurface the road, with a closure in place between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 in Knaresborough are due to remain in place until November 11.

Yorkshire Water has installed four-way traffic lights as it lays a new water main for a housing development.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time if using the route this morning.

Work to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is ongoing.

The road is closed and a diversion is in place via Pateley Bridge, the B6451 Dacre, Menwith Hill Road, Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.

Fell Beck Bridge remains closed for works until November 6, with a diversion in place via Burnt Yates and Summerbridge.

Trains and buses

Northern is advising passengers not to travel, with no trains currently scheduled to run through Harrogate and Knaresborough on the Leeds to York line on Saturday (November 5).

The train operator is also advising passengers to check service times on Sunday in case of further disruption.

The strike action by the RMT union will be repeated on Monday (November 7) and Wednesday (November 9).

LNER services to London King’s Cross are also affected by the walkout.

This morning, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal.

The Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting cancellations on its 1A, 1C, 7 and 36 services this morning. You can get updates here.

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Men arrested after suspected knifepoint robbery near Knaresborough

Two men have been arrested following a suspected knifepoint robbery near Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire Police were called at 1.40pm yesterday to reports that a couple had been robbed when they turned up at a house in Farnham to buy a vehicle that had been advertised for sale.

According to police, the pair were threatened by a group of suspects who stole their car and a large amount of cash inside it.

The suspects then fled in the vehicle and a van.

Police tracked down the stolen car to the A61 near Harewood after using automatic number plate recognition.

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The suspects ran from the vehicle and a police firearms support unit, dog and police drone tracked them down to a wooded area.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a Class B drug and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a Class B drug, driving with no insurance, driving whilst disqualified and possession of an offensive weapon.

The suspects currently remain in police custody and both vehicles were recovered.

Harogate man made thousands of indecent images of children

Warning: the following article contains details some people may find offensive.

A Harrogate man who had a “totally unacceptable” interest in images of child abuse and extreme pornography has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Philip Grange, 53, of Hillside in Follifoot, appeared before York Crown Court this morning on a string of charges, including possessing an extreme pornographic image of a person performing an act of intercourse with a dog.

Grange was also charged with three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child and three counts of distributing indecent photographs of a child.

He pleaded guilty to all charges.

Thousands of indecent images

Police arrested Grange on August 14, 2020, and seized a number of devices including nine mobile phones, a Samsung tablet, a laptop and a USB stick from his home.

Analysis of the technology found five of the mobile phones included indecent material.

A total of 650 category A images, which are the most graphic, and 37 videos were found, along with thousands of category B and C images.

Police also discovered 180 images of extreme pornography and 10 videos.

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Grange was also found to be using the Kik Messenger social media platform to request and distribute images.

The prosecution told the court that he also had “very explicit” conversations on the platform.

Ismael Uddin, defending Grange, said he had no previous convictions and was “socially isolated”.

He added that he was “remorseful” for making and distributing the images and was unlikely to offend again.

Mr Uddin said:

“All of them [the images] are of a disdainful nature.

“He is 53 years of age and is likely to not commit offences again. He has told me that he is no longer on the internet.”

‘Unacceptable’ and ‘perverted’

Sentencing Grange, Recorder Paul Reid told the 53-year-old that he had an “unacceptable” and “perverted” interest in pornography.

He said:

“You are described as a socially isolated individual who has a totally unacceptable and perverted interest in pornography and, in particular, images of child abuse.”

Mr Reid described Grange’s conversations on the “notorious” Kik platform as “utterly disgusting”.

He added that he noted that Grange told probation that he was “glad to be caught” as he “knew what he was doing was wrong”.

Grange was sentenced to 20 months in prison suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to undertake 200 hours unpaid work, 40 days rehabilitation and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order.

Grantley Hall appeals council order preventing it from using helipad

Grantley Hall has appealed a council order to prevent it from using a helipad after an alleged planning breach.

Harrogate Borough Council issued an enforcement notice against the hotel for using the helipad for take off and landings without planning permission.

The luxury hotel, which is located five miles west of Ripon, withdrew plans to operate the helicopter landing pad in June 2021.

The authority then ordered the hotel to “cease the use of the land for the taking off and landing of helicopter flights” and remove the helipad from the land.

According to the notice, the helipad’s location causes damage to the area and the significance of a heritage asset in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The order adds:

“It fails to protect or enhance those features which contribute to the special architectural or historic interest of the heritage asset and does not make a positive contribution to the character of the area.”

Picture of the helipad in the Grantley Hall grounds, as submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

A picture of the helipad in the Grantley Hall grounds submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

However, Grantley Hall has since appealed the order and requested that permission is granted for the helipad.

The hotel said that 70 flights took place at the hotel between October 2021 and September 2022, with visitors coming from Jersey, Bournemouth and Melrose in Scotland.

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It added that all the flights took place during the day time and it was “clear evidence for the demand for this facility”.

In documents submitted to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with appeals, the hotel said it had met with the council in September 2022 and confirmed it had stopped taking helicopter bookings.

The hotel said it was happy for conditions to be placed on its proposals and was willing to meet with the council to discuss mitigation measures.

It said in its planning documents:

“The appellant is eager to work with Harrogate Borough Council to ensure that Grantley Hall’s ability to deliver a first-class service and contribution to the local and regional economy does not compromise the local amenity and setting and significance of Grantley Hall.”

The Stray Ferret approached Grantley Hall for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A government planning inspector will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

Three planning withdrawals

The hotel withdrew plans for the helicopter landing pad for a third time in June 2021 after council officers recommended rejecting the proposal.

Nidderdale AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Grantley and Sawley Parish Council and several residents objected to the plans, with one local describing the application as “totally unnecessary” and “self-fulfilling”.

The hotel has withdrawn three applications and had another rejected since first asking for permission to use an existing helipad in 2018.

Grantley Hall opened as a hotel after a £70 million refurbishment in 2019.

It was once used by West Riding County Council between 1947 and 1974 as an adult education residential college, as well as a training and conference centre by North Yorkshire County Council.

Council forecasts North Yorkshire needs 3,161 EV charge points by 2030

A public consultation into plans for electric vehicle charging points across North Yorkshire looks set to be launched.

Senior councillors on North Yorkshire County Council’s executive are expected to agree next week to start the consultation this month.

It will lead to the creation of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy to expand the infrastructure.

Latest figures show there are almost 4,000 electric vehicles registered in North Yorkshire, and 225 publicly available charge points, and take-up of electric vehicles is rising rapidly each year.

County council officers forecast that 3,161 charge points will be needed by 2030, of which half will need to be funded by the public sector at an estimated cost of £10.3 million.

Cllr Greg White, the council’s executive member for climate change, said:

“The ownership of electric vehicles in North Yorkshire is increasing quickly. This is encouraging – to achieve the county’s ambitious carbon zero target, for smaller vehicles, we need to make the switch to electric as close as possible to 2030.

“But North Yorkshire faces particular challenges, partly due to its rural nature and partly the lack of off-street parking in some villages and urban residential areas.

“We need to understand these needs and the challenges they present and be ready to meet them. That’s why we want to seek the input and feedback of the public to help to shape our strategy for the coming years.”

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The council has already secured more than £2 million from the government to finance the expansion of the county’s network of electric vehicle charging points.

electric vehicle chargepoints (1)

In August, the authority revealed that the Harrogate district would get 10 chargers.

The chargers are part of the new Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme where the council and industry work in partnership.

It was previously suggested that Markington, Pateley Bridge and Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough could receive new chargepoints. However, this has yet to be confirmed.