New plan to create eight flats above Cambridge Street shops in Harrogate

A fresh plan has been tabled to create eight flats above shops on Cambridge Street in Harrogate.

York-based GHT Developments has submitted the proposal to North Yorkshire Council for the upper floors of 6-14 Cambridge Street.

The ground floor of the properties is currently occupied by the Card Factory, Phone Patch and an empty unit which was formerly the Phone Doctor. For many years the site was home to Carphone Warehouse.

The site

previously had approval for three one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

However, the developer has lodged fresh plans for eight flats because, it says in planning documents, the scheme had “evolved” after it had “been established that the roof is in need of replacement”.

It added that the increased build costs of the previous scheme had left it “unviable”.

In documents submitted to the council, GHT Developments said:

“The proposed development will reduce void spaces in the footprint and has improved the internal and external design.

“The need to replace the roof has also increased build costs, meaning the previous scheme of five apartments is no longer viable. 

“The proposed development will therefore ensure that development is viable and the site can be used effectively.”

As part of the new scheme, four sets of flats would be created on the first and second floors.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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The move comes as work is ongoing at the former River Island unit on Cambridge Street to convert the building into apartments.

The store closed on February 4 after the landlord announced plans to change use of the building.

Plans were approved in summer 2020 to refurbish the ground floor of the building and convert the first floor, as well as adding a roof extension, to create 14 apartments

Business Breakfast: Harrogate therapy centre plans expansion

There’s not long to go until the Stray Ferret Business Club’s breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am.

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets now by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate therapy and coaching centre has celebrated its one-year anniversary this month.

The Harlow, which is based at Cardale Park, launched in July last year to support children, teens, parents, families and couples.

The company has gone onto to employ 25 qualified and accredited practitioners.

Now the firm is aiming to expand by launching a new employee assistance programme, which aims to offer mental health support to professionals and businesses.

Andrea Bethell, founding partner of The Harlow, said:

“At The Harlow, our esteemed professionals include psychotherapeutic counsellors, psychotherapists, forensic psychologists, trauma therapists, drama therapists, and hypnotherapists.

“Each member of our team has undergone rigorous training and possesses extensive experience in their respective fields.”

Harrogate businessman wins green tech award

A Harrogate businessman has been named green entrepreneur of the year at a national award ceremony.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology, was recognised at the Enterprise Awards 2023.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

He picked up the Green Tech Entrepreneur award at the ceremony, which was held at Drapers’ Hall in London.

Mr Woodhall said:

“I’m delighted to have been nominated and won this award but what it truly reflects is the drive and commitment of the team of people at Chameleon Technology.”

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New Starbeck chicken restaurant opens

A new chicken restaurant and takeaway has opened in Starbeck.

Chilli Chick’s, which is based on High Street, officially opened its doors today to become the fourth outlet of the restaurant chain.

The takeaway offers a range of food including chicken, burritos and rice boxes.

Farhan Murtaza, manager of the Starbeck outlet, launched the restaurant with his partner Khayyam Ifhaq.

Mr Murtaza said:

“We saw good scope for a chicken restaurant in Harrogate. Everyone seemed friendly.

“There is barely any chicken places around here.”

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The restaurant includes seating for 15 people, but also has the option for takeaway.

It will be open from midday until 11pm every day.

Chilli Chick’s also has outlets in Bradford, Dewsbury and Birmingham.

Council to pay additional £1m in North Yorkshire combined authority set-up cost

North Yorkshire Council looks set to pay an additional £1 million to set up a combined authority for the county and York.

The combined authority, which will be headed by an elected mayor, is scheduled to be launched in November this year.

It will include councillors from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council and make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

So far, North Yorkshire Council has footed £582,000 worth of costs for consultation and staff redeployment to help set up the combined authority.

In a report due before a joint devolution committee next week, the council will be recommended to fund a further £1 million in costs ahead of its implementation in four months time.

The money would cover areas such as IT infrastructure, project management, human resources and contingency plans.

However, the council has said that it expects the cash to be paid back once government funding for the combined authority is released.

It said:

“North Yorkshire Council will continue to cash flow the implementation and set up costs of the combined authority on the understanding that these costs will be repaid once funding is released on creation of the combined authority in November.”

Councillors will discuss the funding at a meeting on July 24.

What is a combined authority?

A combined authority is a body set up for two or more councils to make joint decisions.

In this case, North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council would come together to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.

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It will be a separate body to North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council.

The closest example of this is West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which recently has led on the £11.9 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme, as well as similar schemes in Skipton and Selby.

The combined authority would be headed by a mayor who is directly elected by the public.

An election for the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is set to be held in May 2024.

The Conservatives selected Cllr Keane Duncan, the executive member for highways and transportation at North Yorkshire Council, at a meeting on Friday.

Developer resubmits Markington homes plan

A housing developer has resubmitted plans for new homes in Markington.

KCS Development Ltd , which is based in Leeds, has tabled the plan for High Mill Farm on High Street in the village.

The proposal would see 13 new homes built on the site and include a range of two to four bedroom houses.

The move comes as the developer withdrew a plan for 21 properties on the land back in February.

At the time, some residents wrote to Harrogate Borough Council, which was abolished in April, to raise concern over the impact of the development on the landscape and infrastructure.

In new documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the developer says the application was withdrawn to consider “concerns raised by consultees and the planning officer”.

The planned site on High Mill Farm.

The planned site on High Mill Farm.

It added that the new development, which would consist of eight market houses and five affordable homes, would help to “provide new homes n a sustainable location”.

The developer said:

“The provision of housing in this location will assist in providing local construction jobs during the build phase, whilst also generating demand for local building materials and associated products from local suppliers. 

“The proposed development would therefore help to directly stimulate and support the local economy in addition to providing new homes in a sustainable location.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing developer appoints new operations director

There’s not long to go until the Stray Ferret Business Club’s breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets now by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate-based housing developer has appointed a new operations director.

Casa by Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, has hired Sarah Nelson to the position at the company.

Ms Nelson will be tasked with overseeing the strategic direction and management of the operations teams, as well as agreeing and implementing the firm’s vision to achieve long-term growth.

On her appointment, she said: 

“This felt like a very natural move for me. The Casa brand, mission, and values of putting the customer at the heart of everything are aligned to my own personal values, so I feel a very close affinity with Moda Living’s proposition. 

Straight away I knew I could both passionately commit and add a huge amount of value to the business.”

Stephen Rogers, Associate Director at Casa by Moda, added: 

“Sarah is a fantastic addition to the growing Casa team at this crucial, exciting moment for the business.

“With her wealth of experience in the living sector, we’re confident that she will play a pivotal role in the growth of Casa as we look to open our first neighbourhood this year and work towards our goal of securing 5,000 new family homes by 2025.”

 

Harrogate Town announce new Kop stand sponsor

Harrogate Town has announced a new sponsor for the Kop stand at the EnviroVent Stadium.

The club has agreed a sponsorship deal with builders’ merchants GH Brooks, which is based on Claro Road, for the forthcoming season.

GH Brooks, which has been unveiled as new sponsors of the Kop stand at Harrogate Town.

GH Brooks, which has been unveiled as new sponsors of the Kop stand at Harrogate Town.

Jo Towler, commercial director of Harrogate Town, said:

”We are delighted to welcome GH Brooks as the official sponsor of the Kop. The Kop is the heartbeat of our stadium, and the passionate support from our fans creates an incredible atmosphere on matchdays. 

“We deeply appreciate GH Brooks’ commitment to our club.”

Andy Broadwith, director of GH Brooks, said:

“Having been involved with HTAFC for many years, we are proud to become the official sponsor of the Kop.

“As a local builders merchants, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance our community and are excited to contribute to Harrogate Town’s journey and be a part of their continued success.”

Holiday clubs ‘lifesaver’ amid cost of living crisis, says Harrogate mum

A Harrogate mum has said a summer holiday programme will be a “lifesaver” amid the cost of living crisis.

The FEAST programme, which takes place from Monday, July 24, until Friday, September 1, gives children and young people across the county with a chance to socialise, learn new skills and stay active.

Open to all children and young people in North Yorkshire, those who receive benefits-related free school meals can attend for free and also receive a hot meal or packed lunch.

Single mother-of-two Jade Wrightson, from Harrogate, is among those who will benefit the scheme during the summer.

Ms Wrightson, whose children Freddie, aged nine, and eight-year-old Emmie, have taken part in the programme before, said it is a lifesaver at a time when money remains tight.

She said:

“Without FEAST I wouldn’t be able to work.

“I’m a teaching assistant and I clean too. I would have to save up to afford these activities or search for free things to do. Thanks to FEAST, the children enjoy a full day out playing and trying activities they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do.”

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North Yorkshire Council has been allocated funding by the Department of Education for this year’s provision of summer activities. 

The programme received bids from 120 activity providers this year of which 101 were successful – an increase compared to the 69 that offered the sessions last year.

Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, executive councillor for education, learning and skills, said:

“It’s heartening that we have the opportunity to build on the momentum of our previous success with the FEAST programme, which enables us to reach even more families this year.

“The FEAST programme offers a vitally important service to families, helping to ease the pressures that many households usually face during the school holiday period, such as added childcare and food costs.”

Eligible families across North Yorkshire will receive information about FEAST and a voucher to book their free place via their school.

For more information on the scheme, visit the North Yorkshire Together website here.

Conservatives select highways councillor Keane Duncan to stand for North Yorkshire mayor

The Conservative party has selected North Yorkshire councillor Keane Duncan as its candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Cllr Duncan, who is executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire Council and represents the Norton division, announced the news on social media late last night.

He is also deputy news editor of the Daily Star newspaper.

The mayor will oversee a significant budget for York and North Yorkshire covering areas such as transport, education and housing.

The role will also take on the powers of police and crime commissioner.

The 28-year-old will stand for election when voters go to the polls to elect the first mayor for the county in May 2024.

Following confirmation of his candidacy, he said:

“I could not be prouder.

“This is my home and I’ll be fighting every day to deliver results.”

https://twitter.com/keane_duncan/status/1679966223184871429?t=JOn3QRpzw9N18i77S9AnsQ&s=19

Former Harrogate councillor and current North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Zoe Metcalfe, had bid to become the Conservative candidate.

Pateley Bridge businessman, Keith Tordoff, has also announced that he will stand as an independent candidate for mayor.

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Masham steam rally set to return for its 56th year

Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally is set to return this weekend for its 56th year.

The two-day event, which started in the 1960s as a fundraiser to save Masham Town Hall, has become one of the Harrogate district summer highlights.

The event, which is held in the rally field just outside the town, is set to see thousands of people attend.

This year’s event is set to include a range of exhibitors including classic cars, tractors, steam engines and motorbikes.

A grand parade of steam is set to be held on the Saturday, along with Moto Stunts International which will perform a “high octane” stunt show in the arena on both days.

There will also be a funfair, face painting, mini trains and other activities for the family.

Peter Usher, who organises the rally, said:

“There is a huge amount of things going on whether you are a heritage enthusiast or a family of four.

“The location is lovely and frankly it is very good value for money.”

Entry costs £12 for adults, £11 for concessions and £3 for children up to 16. Younger children under five get in for free. A caravan park is available for overnight visitors.

For more information, visit the Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally website here.

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Ilke Homes: More than 1,000 staff made redundant

More than 1,000 staff have been made redundant at Flaxby-based Ilke Homes, administrators have confirmed.

AlixPartners were appointed to oversee the administration process of the company on June 30.

Ilke Homes, which is based off junction 47 of the A1(M), made the appointment after it failed to find a buyer or new investment.

In a statement at the time, administrators said a “significant majority” of the company’s 1,150 staff would be made redundant.

A spokesperson for AlixPartners has now confirmed to the Stray Ferret that 1,039 staff in the company’s homes section and 19 in its land section have been made redundant.

They said:

“The administrators have appointed a specialist agent to support former employees in understanding their statutory entitlements and making claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.

“The administrators are now working with a small number of retained employees to realise the assets of the business on behalf of creditors and are soliciting expressions of interest for any or all of those assets.”

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The move comes as the factory at Flaxby was immediately closed following the company entering administration and all site activities have been ceased.

Administrators added that the firm had “faced the challenges of unprecedented inflation and a lack of land supply linked to planning processes”.

Officials at Ilke Homes said previously that it needed additional funding to fulfil a £1 billion order book and to protect jobs, adding that new investment was needed to build its pipeline of 4,200 new homes.

Meanwhile, the Stray Ferret reported last week that more than 80 former employees of the company were to take legal action following the administration announcement.

Manchester-based law firm Aticus said it has been instructed by 80 staff members, 60 of whom are from Flaxby, to investigate concerns around how the redundancy process was managed.