Councillor’s departure ‘will not affect’ High Court judicial review

Harrogate Borough Council has said the departure of its cabinet member for planning will not affect an upcoming judicial review over its local plan.

Cllr Rebecca Burnett, who was appointed to the position in 2015, stepped down yesterday with immediate effect.

Cllr Burnett oversaw the development of the borough’s local plan, which caused controversy after the council picked Green Hammerton over Flaxby for a 3,000 home settlement..

Residents in the village campaigned against the decision up until the plan was adopted in March 2020 and wrote to Cllr Burnett earlier this month “to express our disappointment and grave concern about the process of creating the new settlement development plan document”.

The borough council confirmed that Cllr Burnett’s had left to concentrate on her full-time job as marketing manager at bus company Transdev Blazefield.

But the news comes just a week before the borough council is set to appear before the High Court in London for a judicial review with developer Flaxby Park Ltd.

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The developer has claimed the council’s decision to choose Green Hammerton over its site in the local plan was based on “flawed information of a scant, conflicting and contradictory nature”.

Both Flaxby Park and Cllr Burnett have had a fractious relationship. In 2018, the company submitted a formal complaint to the council over “several factually misleading statements” regarding the basis for policies with in the then draft local plan.

The company wrote to her again in March 2019 over “a series of defamatory statements” made on the reopening of Golsborough Railway Station, but later decided not to make another complaint.

A spokesperson for the borough council said Cllr Burnett would not be involved in the hearing next week and that her departure would not affect proceedings.

Conservative councillor Cllr Burnett previously worked in Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones’ office as a caseworker.

Cllr Burnett will continue to serve as a councillor for the Harrogate St Georges ward in Rossett, a position she has held since 2014.

Cllr Tim Myatt has now been appointed as cabinet member for planning.

Covid infection rate falls marginally in Harrogate district

The rate of covid infections in Harrogate has fallen marginally, according to figures today.

North Yorkshire County Council revealed the seven-day rolling average to October 17 was 159 cases per 100,000 people.

This is down on 161 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to October 16.

Harrogate’s rate is the second highest of the seven district council areas in North Yorkshire. Selby’s is the highest at 179 cases per 100,000 people.

A further 41 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Harrogate district in the last 24 hours.

According to Public Health England figures, the increase takes the total number of cases in the district since the start of the pandemic to 1,761.

Another 164 cases have been confirmed county-wide, taking the total since the start of the pandemic to 6,134 in North Yorkshire.

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More than half of the cumulative total number of cases in the Harrogate district have occurred since the beginning of September.

Analysis of Public Health England data reveals the number of infections in the district has rocketed from 796 at the start of September to 1,720 yesterday.

 

Harrogate district covid cases have more than doubled since September

More than half of the cumulative total number of coronavirus cases in the Harrogate district have occurred since the beginning of last month.

Analysis of Public Health England data reveals the number of infections in the district has rocketed from 796 at the start of September to 1,720 yesterday.

This means 924 infections have been confirmed in the last seven weeks, compared with just 796 from the start of the pandemic to the beginning of September.

Other North Yorkshire districts, such as Ryedale, Hambleton and Craven, have registered similar sharp increases since the start of the second wave.

In September alone, the number of cases in the Harrogate district increased by 43%. A total of 349 cases were confirmed during the month.

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By comparison, two months earlier Harrogate recorded its lowest number of cases with just 35 during July.

Graph showing the increase in cumulative cases since the pandemic started. Data: Public Health England. Graph: The Stray Ferret

Graph showing the cumulative cases since the pandemic started in the Harrogate district. Data: Public Health England. Graph: The Stray Ferret.

The growing national rate of new cases has led to the government introducing a new three-tier local lockdown system. North Yorkshire has been placed in the lowest category.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health at North Yorkshire County Council, said yesterday the majority of infections in the county were among “younger, fitter adults”.

He reiterated that the main cause of spread was within households, not in the hospitality sector or schools.

Meanwhile, Dr Sargeant said the authority was monitoring infections in vulnerable groups, particularly those aged over 65.

He said:

“The concern that we have is the rate of infection in the over 65s. In North Yorkshire, that rate is still relatively low.

“But we are concerned that it is increasing and that for us will be a key indicator of that spill over when [infections in] younger people begin to translate into infections in older people, who are by definition more vulnerable.”

Latest seven-day rolling averages show the Harrogate district rate of cases as of October 16 was 161 per 100,000 people.

Selby had the highest rate of the seven North Yorkshire districts at 166, while Richmondshire had the lowest with 91 cases.

Harrogate district covid rate rises to 158 per 100,000

The Harrogate district’s covid infection rate has risen to 157.9 per 100,000 people, it was revealed today.

The rate, which is based on a seven-day rolling average, is for the week to October 15.

It is marginally higher than the district’s seven-day rolling rate of 154 per 100,000 in the seven days to October 10.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health at North Yorkshire County Council, gave the figure at a meeting of the North Yorkshire Outbreak Management Advisory Board.

It means the district has the second highest rate of the seven district council areas in North Yorkshire behind Selby, where the rate is 160. Scarborough has the lowest rate at 90.

The figure for Greater Manchester is 432.5.

Another 28 further coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Harrogate district in the past 24 hours, according to Public Health England.

It takes the total amount of cases in the district since the start of the pandemic to 1,720.

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Dr Sargeant said last week the main cause of spread of infection in the county was between households.

He added there had been “very, very few” infections spread between customers in pubs and hospitality.

Planning reforms ‘unclear’, says North Yorkshire County Council

Government plans to reform the planning system have been described as “unclear” by North Yorkshire County Council.

The council is set to respond to a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on sweeping changes to “streamline and modernise” the planning system.

Harrogate Borough Council’s response to the reforms last week said the changes would “erode local democracy”.

Now county council officials have said the proposals are unclear and lack detail, but added some ideas were “intriguing”.

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A report prepared for the county council’s business and environmental services meeting on Friday says the current planning system is “not completely broken”.

It adds the government white paper Planning for the Future “sets out a range of intriguing ideas, but is short on detail”. It adds:

“It does not address all aspects of planning, choosing instead to focus heavily on processes related to housing, speed and efficiency. 

“It is worth noting that the current planning system is not completely broken. In recent years, North Yorkshire local planning authorities have had a good track record in consenting new homes in line with plan targets, and good progress has been made on working towards comprehensive up to date local plan coverage.”

‘Tear it down and start again’

The white paper suggests local authorities could develop local plans by zoning land into three categories: “growth”, “renewal” or “protection”.

Other suggestions include digitalising the planning system, allowing more permitted development applications, replacing section 106 payments with a new system for developers and giving government the final say on how many homes should be built in an area.

In the foreword to the white paper, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was critical of the current planning system.

He said:

“Thanks to our planning system, we have nowhere near enough homes in the right places. People cannot afford to move to where their talents can be matched with opportunity. Businesses cannot afford to grow and create jobs.

“The whole thing is beginning to crumble and the time has come to do what too many have for too long lacked the courage to do – tear it down and start again.”

York to back county council’s single authority plan

City of York Council is set to support North Yorkshire County Council’s plan for a single council in the county ahead of a devolution bid.

Authority leaders in York said there is “no logical reason” for it to merge into a western council, as outlined in district leaders’ plan for two councils in the east and west of North Yorkshire.

At a press briefing, Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat leader of City of York Council, said the authority will submit proposals to government to remain as a unitary authority and effectively support the county council’s model.

That would see a single authority created for North Yorkshire, alongside the City of York Council, and the seven district councils scrapped – including Harrogate Borough.

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Senior councillors at City of York Council are expected to back the proposal at an executive meeting on October 22, before the proposal goes to full council later this month.

Cllr Aspden said:

“Following consultation, we believe proposals that cause as little disruption as possible to allow City of York Council to concentrate on recovery at this critical time is the right way forward. 

“For this reason, the best way to support strong recovery, secure devolution quickly, and support the Levelling-Up agenda in York and North Yorkshire, is with City of York continuing as a unitary authority.  Any other model of local government would fail to effectively represent York’s history, communities and the unique characteristics of the city.

“York’s unique character, beautiful heritage and strong history is recognised across the world. Protecting our identity, whilst keeping costs low and minimising service disruption for our residents, is of paramount importance for our future long term prosperity.  

“Ultimately, any decision that affects York’s residents, businesses and communities, should be made in York.”

Cllr Carl Les, leader of the county council, said:

“We have been very clear from the beginning that we believe a new single council, bringing together the best of the county and seven district councils, presents the best possible opportunity for everyone in North Yorkshire. 

“In preparing our proposal for government, we have and continue, to listen very carefully to a broad range of partners, groups, organisations, individuals and businesses over many weeks.

“We believe it is crucial to retain the identity of North Yorkshire and to offer every single person here the best possible chances in life and the same high quality services and support, regardless of where they live in the county.

“Our proposal also protects the unique identity of the City of York, which is already served by an established unitary council.”

It comes as Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for local government, invited councils across North Yorkshire to submit plans for reorganisation.

Councils have until December 9 to submit final proposals for the new-look local government structure.

The government said it would aim for any unitary council plan to be implemented by April 2023.

Police appeal after four caravans stolen in Coneythorpe

Police have launched an appeal after four caravans were stolen in Coneythorpe overnight.

The four Swift caravans were taken from a premises in the area between 6.30pm on October 7 and 6.30am the following day.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information that may assist with the investigation.

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Describing the thieves’ actions after breaking in, a North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“Once there, they have removed locks, alarms and trackers from four Swift caravans and caused extensive damage to a fifth, before driving off over a field back onto the road.

“Police are appealing for any information that could assist in this investigation – for example, if any vehicles were seen in the area, and any footage from CCTV in nearby villages.

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for PC528 Pierre Olesqui. You can also email pierre.olesqui@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200176598.

Covid infections rise sharply in Harrogate district

A further 58 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Harrogate district, the highest daily increase in over a week.

It takes the total number of cases since the pandemic started to 1,558, according to Public Health England figures.

The figure is the highest daily increase since October 5 when 67 cases were confirmed. However, this was put down to an IT error which left thousands of cases across England unreported.

The number of deaths in care homes from coronavirus in the district has also increased. 

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According to Office for National Statistics data, one death was recorded in the week to October 10 taking the total to 112.

However, no covid deaths have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital since September 29.

Harrogate has the highest rate of infections in the seven districts in North Yorkshire.

Latest weekly figures showed 154 cases per 100,000 people in the district. This compares with 151 in Selby, 147 in Craven and 138 in Hambleton. Richmondshire recorded 104, Scarborough had 94 and Ryedale 89.

Building work on a new full-time covid testing site in Harrogate, in the Dragon Road car park, began today. It is due to open next week.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons this week the government would consider a district-by-district approach to its new tier system.

Meanwhile, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health for North Yorkshire, said the main cause of spread of coronavirus in the county was between households.

He said he supported the new tier system as it would help to tackle the spread in the county.

Dr Sargeant added that there were “very few instances” of infection in hospitality.

Police consider ‘covid cars’ as part of enforcement

North Yorkshire Police may introduce “covid cars” to respond to complaints about breaches of coronavirus rules.

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire police, fire and crime commissioner, said today the move was being considered after her office received £291,897 from the government last week for covid enforcement.

The proposal would see police officers assigned specifically to respond to complaints from the public, such as licenced premises breaking coronavirus restrictions.

Ms Mulligan told a meeting of the police, fire and crime panel that other plans being considered included greater use of overtime and additional patrols in covid hot spots.

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The force will submit final proposals to the Home Office as part of the funding allocation.

Mrs Mulligan said covid cars would respond to calls from members of the public around covid concerns, particularly about licensing regime and problem premises.

Julia Mulligan, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire

She said:

“For example, where residents have concerns about the way that they are behaving. Cars can be deployed to those sorts of things.

“It is a discreet amount of funding for a specific purposes. It isn’t additional funding for the force to cope with the whole of covid.”

It comes as Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for police response to covid, said the force had seen demand return to pre-covid levels.

North Yorkshire Police has issued the highest amount of fines for breaches of coronavirus rules. But the force has not handed out any fines for face masks or breaches of the rule of six,

Under coronavirus legislation, police have the power to issue £60 fixed penalty notices to anyone breaching restrictions. The sum is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Superintendent Walker told North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum yesterday:

“What is important to remember is, as I have said before, the demand for normal police services has returned to pre-lockdown levels.

“Previously when we were in full lockdown, we had much more resources to be out and reassuring the public and enforcing the health protection regulations.

“With demand going back to what it is now, clearly we have to risk assess every report that comes in whether it is normal police demand or if it is covid related demand.”

Harrogate covid group ‘still here to help’, says co-founder

A Harrogate social media group which gained thousands of followers at the start of lockdown “is still here for people”, says its co-founder.

Covid Co-Operation, a Facebook group founded in March, has more than 10,000 members helping to support people in the district throughout the crisis.

When it was set up, the group focused mainly on those who were vulnerable and needed to self-isolate by giving advice and support.

It also raised thousands of pounds for local charities as part of a crowdfunding appeal, with causes such as Harrogate Foodbank, IDAS and Hear to Help among those to benefit.

Now, nearly seven months into the pandemic, Susie Little, co-founder of the group, has said the group is operating differently.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“In hindsight, when you look back there was a significant amount of panic.

“I think it was a different level of panic, people did not really know what to do or where to turn.

“People were going into isolation and had not thought about how they were going to do their shopping.”

Susie says the group changed when restrictions relaxed over summer.

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Most posts are now about the daily figures and keeping people informed of the situation in the district.

Susie said:

“I’m starting to use the group as a means of getting figures over every day because the government stopped doing the daily conferences.

“I do get the feeling that people value the fact that any information that we have on our group is verified.”

Currently, Harrogate has the highest weekly case rate in the county with 116 per 100,000 people up to October 10.

But North Yorkshire has been placed in the lowest category in the government’s tier system this week, which means no additional restrictions will be imposed.

For Susie, the pandemic has been the most “significant event for a generation” and she says the group will continue to be there for people who need help or support as the crisis develops.

“We are still here, people should not hesitate to ask for help if they need it.”