Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter, Author at The Stray Ferret

Councillors reject plans for 53 homes on Knox Lane

Councillors have rejected controversial plans to build 53 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate.

The proposal, by north-east property developer Jomast, was deferred by councillors at the end of May for a third time.

Today’s decision follows concerns about land contamination and the lack of a travel plan for the site, which is alongside a narrow road at the edge of Bilton and not close to a bus route.

A 45-page report published before the meeting by case officer Andy Hough said the plan was “considered to now be in compliance with development plan policy” and should be approved.

It added that the reasons for deferral at the last meeting would “not form reasonable reasons for refusal”, which indicated Jormast might successfully appeal the decision.

The report also said approval would be subject to conditions and the developer paying a section 106 agreement to compensate for the impact of the scheme on local infrastructure.

But elected councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency planning committee today voted against Mr Hough’s recommendation.

Council officers said they were “satisfied” with land contamination sampling which was carried out by the developer.

However, residents still raised concern over the plan regarding land contamination and the absence of a travel plan.

Cllr Paul Haslam, a Conservative who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, spoke on behalf of residents at the meeting. He said:

“There have been over 500 objections to this application from residents. Not because they are ‘nimbys’, but because they believe the council is making a mistake.”

Cllr Haslam added if there was no Local Plan and suitable land supply, this application “would have been turned down”.

Meanwhile, Cllr Hannah Goslow, a Liberal Democrat who represents East, said:

“I would not be able to support this without seeing a travel plan.”

Nick Turpin, the council’s planning case officer, said a condition could be added to the approval of the application that a travel plan is submitted.

Cllr Robert Windass, a member of the planning committee, said he felt councillors had delayed a decision on the proposal and “kicked it down the road three times already”.

He added:

“With this site, we stand to gain quite a number of affordable homes and social housing.”

However, councillors voted against the proposal by five votes and one abstention.

Cllr Chris Aldred, who was among those who rejected the plan, said “insufficient information” was submitted in regards to a travel plan for councillors to make a decision.

He also raised concern over the impact on an area of special landscape and the loss of biodiversity.

New beauty salon opens in Knaresborough

A new hair and beauty salon has opened its doors in Knaresborough.

Boujeé, which began operating at 47 High Street this month, offers a range of beauty and aesthetic treatments.

The salon was founded by friends Natasha Daniel, Natasha Peacock and Tanya Maynard.

The three said they set up the venture in the hope of offering a “warm welcoming atmosphere” for clients.

Ms Daniel said:

“We’re just three local girls that have been friends for years and worked in the industry collectively for over 10 years, so have a wealth of experience.

“We worked in local salons separately for many years and thought we’d club together and bring you a luxury experience that we thrive in, we are perfectionists with a passion to give the best service and warm welcoming atmosphere.”

She added the firm has retained some of its existing clients and hoped to add new ones in the future.

The salon is among a range of businesses to have opened in the town recently, including the Knaresborough Inn and 1858 Restaurant and Bar.

For more information on the Boujeé salon, visit their Facebook page here.

Hampsthwaite garage’s expansion bid set to be rejected again

Council officials have recommended refusing a plan for a Hampsthwaite garage to build a new MOT building.

Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre, which is based on Grayston Plain Lane, applied to build the facility on the opposite side of the road in June this year.

The garage, situated just off the A59 near Hampsthwaite, has been established for over 25 years.

The company said the new building would be used in association with the current base on the other side of the road, which would be retained.

Documents submitted to the council said:

“The proposed building will be used in association with the existing business which will be retained – as such main reception area will be as existing with service / MOT bay and the new building will enable the business to meet its growing demand and also provide safe space to service electric vehicles and larger leisure / agricultural vehicles.”

It added the new building was required in order for the business to adapt to changes in the industry.

However, North Yorkshire Council officers have recommended councillors refuse the plan at a meeting of the Skipton and Ripon area constituency planning committee next Tuesday (October 3).

In a report due before councillors, officers said:

“The site is located outside defined development limits in ‘open countryside’, where the principle of new build development is not supported.

“It is considered that the proposal would have an economic benefit to the area however by virtue of the scale and level of landscape harm created to the open countryside and views in and out of the Nidderdale AONB, the proposal would be contrary to national government policy.”

Councillors will make a decision on the plan at a meeting next week.

if they accept the officer’s recommendation to reject the scheme, it will be second time this year the council has refused the garage’s plans to create new facilities.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes

A Harrogate-based housing developer has secured £150 million worth of funding to help support its plans for new homes across the UK.

Casa By Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, has been granted an initial £60 million debt facility from NatWest, which will rise to £150 million.

The company said the deal will help to “accelerate our delivery of high-quality new communities across the UK”, which includes creating more than 1,100 rental homes.

The move comes as the firm recently acquired a 223-home site known as Abbey Court between Kirkstall and Headingley in Leeds.

Johnny Caddick, chief executive at Moda Living, said:

“This new funding package from NatWest is a major milestone in Casa’s growth trajectory. This year we will welcome our first residents into our neighbourhoods in both Glasgow and Leeds, but we’re also gearing up our programme of delivery which will see us achieve our aim of securing more than 5,000 new homes by 2025.”

Harrogate energy firm recognised by WIRED magazine

A Harrogate smart energy company has been recognised as one of WIRED magazines trailblazers of 2023.

The technology publication set up a trailblazer programme, in collaboration with HSBC UK, to shine a light on the innovative, mid-sized businesses.

Among them is Chameleon Technology, which is based on Otley Road.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

The firm specialises in smart energy devices and recently delivered its 10 millionth in-home display this summer. It has manufactured on average 1.6 million devices a year.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive at the company, was invited to a celebratory event on behalf of WIRED at the Shears Yard in Leeds.

He said:

“The initiative celebrates companies across the UK that are contributing to the UK becoming a global hub of innovation.

“We are thrilled to have our work in the ongoing revolution of smart home energy recognised, and to join such an inspiring group.”

Plans to create flats above Harrogate store approved

North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate shop into flats.

The application, which was lodged by York-based developer Andrew Farr, will see six flats created on West Park above the Elite Bridal store.

Mr Farr had previously withdrawn a plan for the site. However, council officials have now granted permission for development to go-ahead after he resubmitted proposals in June.

The decision increases the trend towards town centre living. In the last month alone, plans have been approved for a 17-bedroom aparthotel above the Oliver Bonas store on James Street and for the former Kings Club strip club on Oxford Street to be converted into 12 flats.

Now the upper floors of numbers 21a, 21 and 22 West Park can be converted. Access will also be made from a retail unit at 21a, which is occupied by Boho Chic and could be forced to close as a result.

A planning statement sent to the council in support of Mr Farr’s application says future residents of the flats would be able to apply for monthly or annual parking pass for West Park multi-storey car parking.

It adds the scheme would “enhance the vitality of the Harrogate town centre” and bring vacant floors back into use “without any identified harm to the character of the host building and the neighbouring Harrogate Conservation Area”.

It concludes:

“It is considered that the proposed scheme responds to the constraints of the site, planning policy constraints and its heritage context and should fall within the parameters of acceptable development.”

Former child protection officer at Harrogate district private school jailed for sexual assault

A former Harrogate district school child protection officer has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of multiple charges of sexual assault against 20 victims.

Alexander Ralls, 47, of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, appeared at Bradford Crown Court for sentencing today after he was found guilty of 31 charges of sexual assault.

He was also convicted of 10 charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, two charges of assault by penetration and one charge of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Ralls, a former charity boss and former deputy head of boarding at fee-paying Queen Ethelburga’s School near Harrogate, was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard how, while working as a child protection officer and safeguarding lead, Ralls used his position of trust to exploit his victims, claiming to care for them and provide them with medical treatment while actually sexually assaulting them.

Speaking after sentencing today, investigating officer detective constable Suzanne Hall from the North Yorkshire Police Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team said:

“This was a complex and disturbing case where Ralls as a person in a position of trust, used his role to coerce and influence the young people he should have been caring for into a vulnerable position, which he then exploited for his own sexual gratification.

“The extent of his offending was staggering and the fact that he continued to use the same excuse of providing medical care to carry out his sickening actions, shows his utter arrogance towards and contempt of his victims. Not once has he taken any responsibility for his actions, pleading not guilty to all the charges, meaning his victims had to face a gruelling seven-week court process.

“I’d like to thank the victims for their enormous bravery in coming forward and giving their accounts. I know how difficult and traumatic that was for them. I hope the sentence handed to Ralls today helps them move on from such an upsetting period in their lives.

“I hope the sentence also gives other victims of non-recent abuse confidence to come forward and seek help and support. It doesn’t matter how long ago you may have experienced abuse, we understand the damaging effects it can have and that people can feel those effects throughout their life.

“If you choose to report the incident to police, we will listen and believe you and we will do everything we can to put those responsible in front of the courts.”

Inquests open into fatal A61 crash at South Stainley

Inquests into the deaths of two of the three people killed in a crash on the A61 at South Stainley opened today.

Daria Bartienieva, 35, and her son Ihor Bartienieva, 6, died after a three-vehicle collision that involved a double decker bus on Ripon Road on September 3.

Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, was also killed as a result of the collision.

All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon.

Jon Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, opened the inquests into Daria and Ihor at a hearing in Northallerton this morning.

Mr Heath said both were killed as a result of a road traffic collision. The provisional cause of death was given as “multiple injuries” due to blunt force trauma.

The hearing was adjourned for a full inquest at a later date.

Holy Trinity School paid tribute to former pupil Ihor after the collision.

A fundraiser set up for 15-year-old Liza Bartienieva, who was orphaned following the incident, raised £48,000.

Business Breakfast: Swinton Estate restaurant to undergo £500,000 refurbishment

A restaurant at Swinton Park Hotel is set to undergo a £500,000 refurbishment.

Samuel’s Restaurant, which is based at the Swinton Estate in Masham, will revamp its kitchen by January 2024.

The refurbishment will see it update the entire kitchen, equipment and workflows to reduce its carbon footprint and create a new state-of-the-art facility.

Head chef, Ruth Hansom, has also extended her six-month residency until the end of the year to help oversee the refurbishment.

Andrew Mackay, general manager at the restaurant, said:

“This is a very exciting time for the team at Samuel’s Restaurant, where they will have access to a brand new kitchen in which to prepare the finest Yorkshire food.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ruth for staying on to help us see this project through, and we’re confident that our ambitious plans will continue to attract and retain the best established and up-and-coming chefs to the estate.”

Grantley Hall launches motorsport concierge service

Grantley Hall near Ripon has launched a new motorsport concierge service.

Called Grantley Motorsport, the service will offer guests bespoke packages for track days, in-house professional simulator hire, automotive events and VIP experiences to top-tier motorsport events.

The scheme has been launched in partnership with Hype Motorsport, which will provide access to professional instructors as part of the service.

Richard Sykes, managing director of Grantley Hall, said:

“At Grantley Hall, we continually strive to provide our guests with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.

“Grantley Motorsport is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. From our on-site professional racing simulator suite, right through to VIP motorsport events, we aim to deliver an unparalleled journey into the world of motorsport, ensuring our guests create cherished memories to last a lifetime.”

Harrogate war veteran, 99, to recall Nazi concentration camp liberation

A Harrogate World War II veteran believed to be among the first servicewomen to enter a Nazi concentration camp is to give a talk about her experiences next week.

Sheila Pantin, who will be 100 next month, will give the talk as part of the Harrogate war memorial centenary commemorations.

The event, which is sold out, will take place at the town’s West Park United Reformed Church.

Sheila joined the army aged 17 and trained as an ambulance and staff car driver with the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army, rising to the rank of sergeant.

She became one of the first British servicewomen to enter Belsen concentration camp in April 1945 after its liberation.

Reflecting on the time, Sheila said:

“I thought they meant ‘barracks’ but it turned out they didn’t mean that at all. There was the camp with this huge entrance and an awful lot of huts surrounded by barbed wire fencing.

“We were entering Belsen. I could see our boys digging out mass graves to give the bodies proper burials.

“The only people left alive were in rags and were in a terrible state. They didn’t even know how to eat.”

It was Sheila’s job to look after the survivors in the camp, to clean them, dress them, show them how to use a knife and fork, to try to restore a little humanity after the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust.

Sheila’s talk will take place on Wednesday, September 27, and forms part of a wider selection of events taking place as part of the commemoration.

More details of the centenary commemorations are available here.

The Harrogate powerlifter eyeing a Paralympics 2024 spot

Harrogate’s Charlotte McGuinness has her sight set on the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

The 22-year-old powerlifter has competed in World Cups and European Championships since taking up the sport as a teenager.

Powerlifting has taken her to Georgia and the United States to compete in major tournaments.

But, for Charlotte, the ultimate goal is to bench press on the world stage at the Paralympics.

Picking up the weights

Charlotte initially started out as a swimmer.

When she turned 16, she realised that being a swimmer was “probably out of reach for myself” and turned her attention to powerlifting.

She picked up a set of weights while still studying at St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate.

From there, she was enrolled onto a talent pathway which included training at Loughborough University – which she still does today.

She was set on a development programme in June 2019 which tracked her powerlifting progress.

From there, her career trajectory began to climb.

She competed in the Para Powerlifting World Cup in Manchester in 2020 just before the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was still swimming at the time. I was trying to balance both and then covid hit.

“It forced me to quit swimming and it was a blessing in a sense. It made me focus on my lifting and that made me progress.”

Charlotte McGuinness pictured competing in the World Cup.

Covid forced her to set up a gym at home, where she followed her development programme.

Nowadays, she mixes it up and uses local gyms as well as her bench press training at home.

She returned to Manchester in March 2021 to compete in the Para Powerlifting World Cup.

This time, she won bronze in the women’s up to 50kg category with a bench press of 74kg.

A year later, she competed in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi in a World Para Powerlifting event.

The championships was her first away on her own for a lengthy period of time.

“I was nervous because I had never been away for that length of time to a different country.

“It was covid as well, so we were very restricted. We were only meant to stay in the hotel for 10 days.”

However, despite the restrictions of the pandemic, the competition is one she fondly remembers.

“Something that I will always remember is coming back from the juniors. The competition was taking place in another hotel.

“We were staying in a different hotel and I came back from the juniors after winning a medal and my teammates were at the top of the stairs up to reception and they were clapping. I will always remember that one.”

“I really thought sport was all physical. But it’s really not.”

Charlotte then went on to compete in senior competitions, including a World Cup in the United States.

Despite the upward trajectory, not every competition has been smooth sailing.

Charlotte says her performance in the European Championships in October 2022 was a particular low point when she didn’t manage to make the lift that she wanted.

“I didn’t walk away there happy. I used it as a learning tool.

“You train however many hours a week and however many times on a bench and sometimes it will not go to plan. Your body and muscles may not do what you want them to do and that was one of those days.

“I learned a lot from that. That competition will always be in the back of my mind.”

She says the toll of training can often have an impact on her mental health.

Charlotte has been working with a clinical psychologist to help keep her focussed heading into some major tournaments in the lead up to the Paralympics.

“For me, I really thought sport was all physical. But it’s really not, it’s mental as well.

“You’ve got to accept not getting a lift and you’ve got to accept that you’ll train all this time and not do as well as you want to.

“Especially after the Europeans, I struggled to come back. But I got there in the end with the help of the team.”

She returned to Georgia a year later to the same venue and lifted a personal best of 94kg.

Now, she is hoping to make it to Paris for the Paralympic Games in 2024.

Aiming for the Paralympics

To qualify, she needs to remain in the top eight of the British ranking going into the new year.

A crucial competition for her to remain there will be the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, next month.

Charlotte McGuinness, pictured at a competition in Dubai.

For Charlotte, the goal is to get a 97kg lift on the board in order to retain her place in the top eight.

To keep her focussed on the task in hand, Charlotte’s coach has written down the names of the girls who are also competing for that top eight ranking.

Reaching the Paralympics would be a milestone for Charlotte, who only picked up a set of weights some four years ago.

For her, the opportunity is there for the taking.

“I know I’ve got the strength, I just need to execute the technique.

“Once I’ve done that, it will be on the board.”

If you have any local sporting heroes who you think should be featured in Sporting Spotlight, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.

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Picking up the weights

“I really thought sport was all physical. But it’s really not.”

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Aiming for the Paralympics