200 acre solar farm could be built near Burton Leonard

Proposals to build a major solar farm near Burton Leonard have been lodged with Harrogate Borough Council.

Harmony Energy Limited wants to build the renewable energy infrastructure on farming fields on land to the east of the village of Wormald Green and to the southwest of Bishop Monkton.

The company has requested the council undertakes an environmental scoping study that looks at the possible effects of the solar farm on the environment.

This would take place before any formal planning application is submitted.

The solar panels are expected to have a lifespan of 40 years.

The site would cover 200 acres of agricultural land.

Read more:

Two other plans for major solar farms in the Harrogate district have emerged over the past few months.

Yorkshire Water, which is the second-largest landowner in the county, plans to develop energy at 150 of its sites, including one in Spofforth and another in Bilton, as part of its ambition to become carbon net-zero by 2030.

However, the proposed five-acre solar panel farm in Harrogate attracted concern from the aviation industry who claimed that it could dazzle pilots flying to and from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Young Harrogate Town footballer to take up exciting USA scholarship

A young footballer at Harrogate Town will spend a “once in a lifetime” summer in Iowa, USA after being offered a business scholarship.

Promising 18-year-old striker Harry Wheat will spend the summer studying at Southeastern Community College studying Business Administration after being offered the opportunity thanks to the help of First Point USA, a scholarship agency.

Harry first joined the club via the Player Development Centre aged 15 and went to school at Rossett high school. He is currently completing his final year of a Level 3 Extended Diploma (Performance and Excellence) in Sport, equivalent to three A-Levels.

Read more:

Harry said:

“Moving to the United States is a great opportunity for me, not only to play football everyday but to get a degree in an area I want, which will open doors to a whole alternative career path.” explained Harry.

“Harrogate Town has been a massive help in getting me to where I am today. After leaving Guiseley at 15 I wanted to experience a high standard of coaching so got in touch with Dave Riley about the Player Development Centre.

“I was with the Player Development Centre for a year and felt I really developed as a player, learning from some top coaches, before progressing up to the Shadow Squad.

“After leaving school I joined the education programme at Harrogate Town and have been here for the last three years.

“The programme means I get to play football and study at the same time and has played a big part in my journey towards my scholarship in the US as I have developed massively on the pitch and in the classroom.”

Andrew Jones MP criticised for his ‘news’ website

Harrogate & Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has been criticised for launching a local “news” website but not making it clear enough that it is a Conservative party publication.

The website Harrogate and Knaresborough Community News went live in September 2020.

Stories include Conservative councillor John Mann reporting “terrible” potholes in Pannal to the county council and Conservative council leader Richard Cooper speaking out against speeding on East Parade in Harrogate.

The home page makes no reference to the fact that it’s set up by the office of Andrew Jones. It only becomes clear when you click on the “about” page, which also says the aim of the website is to provide news stories in “a non-political way”.

Nearly every story on the website is about work and lobbying done by local conservative councillors and Mr Jones.

During last year’s general election, the Conservative Party was critical of the Liberal Democrats for issuing campaigning leaflets masquerading as “fake” newspapers.

Read more:

Mr Jones already has his own website which includes news stories informing constituents about what he’s been up to. Yet in March his website published no new stories and Community News website published four.

The Society of Editors, has issued a warning about political parties looking to circumnavigate the media to mislead the public and “blur the lines for readers”.

Yesterday, the News Media Association launched a “Don’t Be Duped” campaign demanding an end to the practice of political parties issuing “fake” newspapers.

Opposition parties in Harrogate have had their say on Mr Jones’ new website and called on him to “be honest” with the people of Harrogate & Knaresborough.

Chris Watt, spokesperson for the Harrogate & Knaresborough Labour Party said:

“Honesty is important in politics. Harrogate & Knaresborough Labour always makes it clear to voters when we are contacting them. Whilst this may meet the letter of the law, it’s clearly designed to disguise the fact that it’s a Tory campaign communication. It’s a shame to see them taking lessons from the Lib Dem playbook but we wonder why they are so keen to hide their identity from voters?”

Pat Marsh, leader of the local Liberal Democrats, said:

“If it’s going to be publicly promotional for the Conservative Party it should say that clearly. He should be honest with the people.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Andrew Jones but he did not respond.

Mayfield Grove summit to be held on Tuesday

Residents on Mayfield Grove in Harrogate will meet police, councillors and politicians next week to discuss concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.

North Yorkshire Police and Harrogate Borough Council issued a closure order for a house on the street this week after a man died.

The two organisations said they had carried a joint investigation following concerns about activity at a multi-occupancy address.

Read more:

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones, who is expected to attend Tuesday’s meeting, said:

“These are incredibly difficult and deep-seated issues.

“Many of those involved have long-standing homelessness, mental health and addiction problems and both the government and the council have dedicated a lot of cash and resource to these issues.”

Harrogate neighbourhood policing inspector Nicola Colbourne said:

“We’re continuing to work closely with residents, Harrogate Borough Council’s community safety partnership, elected representatives and others to ensure any concerns of Harrogate residents are listened to and the community remains a very safe place to live and work.”

A council spokesman said it was a private meeting.

‘Insult to injury’: Ripley dog groomer misses out on vital covid grant

A dog groomer in Ripley says she is struggling to pay the rent after she was denied a £2,000 covid grant at the last minute.

The government says dog grooming services can stay open but pets can only be groomed if it’s absolutely necessary for the animal’s welfare.

This has put businesses like Sirius Dog Grooming Parlour in Ripley in a difficult position. Owner Catherine Cowling says she is technically open but has lost 95% of her customers.

She received an email from Harrogate Borough Council earlier this month saying she was eligible for a £2,000 Local Restrictions Support Grant for businesses that have been forced to close due to covid.

She said the money was even pending in her bank account ready to be paid in.

But then a couple of days later, the government issued fresh guidance to local authorities to say dog groomers were not eligible for this grant, and she never received the money.

Read more:

Cat said she now hopes to be eligible for a £500 Additional Restrictions Grant but is yet to receive it.

She said the dog grooming industry has been hit hard by mixed messages sent out by the government.

She added:

“Not getting the grant adds insult to injury. I’ve earned absolutely no money since January. It’s just not fair.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said:

“As animal grooming businesses are not mandated to close under the regulations for the most recent national lockdown, they are not eligible to receive grants designed to support closed businesses.

However, subject to the discretion of Local Authorities, they may have been eligible for Additional Restrictions Grant funding, and from April 1, may also be entitled to receive a Restart Grant of up to £6,000.”

Is FA considering moving Harrogate Town’s Wembley trip?

The Football Association has refused to comment on reports it is considering moving Harrogate Town’s Wembley FA Trophy final so fans can attend.

The club’s supporter liaison officer Phillip Holdsworth told the Stray Ferret he met Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Conservative MP Andrew Jones on Tuesday.

According to Mr Holdsworth, Mr Jones told him the FA is looking at the possibility of moving Harrogate Town’s game against Concord Rangers from May 3 to a date when fans are allowed to return to grounds.

Mr Jones even said he would be “on the train to Wembley” with the Town fans if it happens, said Mr Holdsworth.

Read more:

Mr Holdsworth suggested a date of Sunday May 23, when there is currently no fixture at Wembley. On the day before, Wembley will host this season’s FA Trophy final.

However, he accepted that rearranging the fixture at such a late stage would be difficult, particularly as the venue is set to host several European Championship games this summer.

The Stray Ferret contacted the FA but they said they would not comment on the speculation.

Boris Johnson urged to support Harrogate Town’s Wembley campaign

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones today urged the Prime Minister to support Harrogate Town’s bid to rearrange the date of its trip to Wembley so fans can attend.

The Football Association has said last season’s postponed FA Trophy final between Harrogate and Concord Rangers will take place behind closed doors at Wembley on May 3, just two weeks before fans can return to stadiums.

It means Town fans will be cruelly denied a trip to the home of English football for the second time in 12 months.

Speaking today at Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative MP Mr Jones described a Wembley cup final as the “holy grail” for supporters of smaller clubs. He said all four MPs of affected clubs backed the campaign to move the date and asked:

“Will the Prime Minister join us in encouraging those scheduling the matches to do all they can to move the date so that fans can attend?”

Boris Johnson replied:

“I hope very much that the Football Association will listen to carefully to what my honourable friend has to say and that they do what they can.”

Read more:

The FA previously said the game would be rearranged when fans can return. Town fan Rob Nixon told the Stray Ferret supporters should be rewarded for their patience.

“After missing out on Wembley last year, we had a lot of good faith in the FA after they suggested a final we could attend this season. I think it’s only fair they honour this and reward the fans for our patience.”

A petition set up by a Harrogate Town fan to move the fixture now has over 1,100 signatures.

Six-month planning wait ruins Starbeck micropub plan

Plans to open a new micropub called the Office Ale House in Starbeck have fallen through.

IT consultant Kevin Jones previously said he hoped to get the venue at 67d High Street up and running by May, subject to planning permission.

He applied for a change of use planning permission on September 22, but nearly six months later Harrogate Borough Council was still to consider the application.

Mr Jones said the landlord of the building has now decided to offer the building to a different tenant.

He said he was “seriously upset about it” and criticised the council’s planning department:

“Starbeck has lost what would have been a community asset.”

“Now all the money I have spent on it has been wasted.”

Read more:

A council spokesperson blamed the covid pandemic for the delay:

“We would normally endeavour to determine an application for a change of use within eight weeks. This can sometimes take longer should revisions to a scheme be needed and/or further information required.

“But, like all local authorities, the planning application process was disrupted considerably last year due to the on-going global pandemic and the numerous lockdown and social distancing measures introduced.

“Once remote meeting were introduced, along with government measures for carrying out the planning process safely, we have successfully reinstated this process. However, as a result of the aforementioned issues, some application decisions are taking longer to determine.”

A different building on Starbeck High Street will be turned into a pub called the Waiting Room, after Harrogate Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee granted it a licence to sell alcohol last month.

The premises was previously occupied by Greenalls and Your Factory Bed Shop.

Will the real Harrogate Residents Association please stand up?

Two rival Facebook groups with starkly contrasting opinions on cycling are locked in a dispute over the use of the name Harrogate Residents Association.

The original Harrogate Residents Association is a private Facebook group with 326 members and a website.

It was set up in February by Anna McIntee and Lucy Gardiner, who feel there has been a lack of consultation about the recent spate of transport schemes promoting cycling and walking, such as changes to Oatlands Drive and the £7.9 million Station Gateway project.

They are sceptical about the merits of the schemes and fear they could damage the town.

Last week a new Harrogate Residents Association group was formed by Mark Smith.

Its members are more favourable towards the pro-walking and cycling schemes, which also include the closure of Beech Grove to through traffic and the pedestrianisation of James Street.

The “clone” group

Lucy Gardiner

The duo behind the original page told the Stray Ferret the new “clone” group was an “obvious attempt” to discredit their opinions, and should be shut down by Facebook.

Ms McIntee said posts in her group questioning the merits of walking and cycling proposals had attracted “relentless” comments from pro-cycling accounts demanding that it “provides the facts”.

Ms Gardiner was even accused of being Tara Gunne, the now infamous ‘fake’ profile that used the image of Liverpool adult entertainer Hazel May to discredit the Station Gateway proposals.

Ms Mcintee said those behind the new group wanted to “confuse and undermine” the original group.

She added:

“It’s terrible. It’s frightening. It’s not fair for the people of Harrogate to be put through this.”

She also accused the pro-cycling voices in Harrogate of being aggressive and confrontational.

Ms Gardiner added:

“We’re the real Harrogate Residents Association.”

Read more:

Bagsied the name

Mark Smith

Mr Smith told the Stray Ferret he set up the new page because he was unhappy the original Harrogate Residents Association Facebook group had been set to private, with new members having to be approved before joining.

He said the group’s selective nature made it an untrue representation of the residents of Harrogate.

His group has flourished and has now overtaken the original group with 371 members. Discussion topics include which streets in Harrogate could become one-way and cycling in the snow.

Mr Smith said he wouldn’t be changing the name of the group:

“Just because they bagsied the name first? It doesn’t mean anything in the real world.”

He said he did not set up the new group to confuse people and wasn’t aware of any aggressive comments made by members. He said “polite discussion is the difference between the two groups”.

Mr Smith added:

“If people are bedded to ideas progress won’t happen.”

Entrenched views

Whilst the feud over the name Harrogate Residents Association may appear trivial, it has highlighted the entrenched views and polarising opinions that North Yorkshire County Council’s various active travel schemes have generated in Harrogate.

Both sides agreed it was important to listen to each other opinions — although sometimes it seems this is proving easier said than done.

Harrogate walking and cycling schemes: latest plans revealed

People are being invited to comment on designs for three schemes to enhance walking and cycling in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire County Council has received £1,011,750 from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund for four schemes in the country, three of which are in the Harrogate district.

The Harrogate schemes are:

Following the first phase of consultation, North Yorkshire County Council removed a controversial one-way system for the Oatlands Drive scheme. It has been replaced with a 20 mph zone and traffic calming measures in the nearby Saints area.

NYCC says the results of the consultation will be used to develop the draft designs further before a decision is made on which schemes to progress.

Here is a look at the proposals:

Oatlands Drive

A59 (Harrogate Road, Knaresborough)

Read more:

Victoria Avenue, Harrogate

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:

“We thank all those residents who took part in the first round of consultation on the outline proposals for these four schemes.

“We have listened to that and are trying to reach a broad consensus about the measures we put in place, given that these directly affect people’s movements and their property.

“We think we can come up with something that addresses most of the concerns raised, but that still provides significant benefits for people who are cycling and walking.

“We encourage residents to take part in this latest consultation. Your views are important to us and they will help shape the final designs of these four schemes.”

You can take part in the consultation, which ends on April 12, here.