Homes England wants to scrap plans for a community football pitch at the former Police Training Centre on Yew Tree Lane, in order to increase the total number of homes on the site from 180 to 200.

It was originally planned that the football pitch would be used by local sports teams, and potentially adopted and managed by Harrogate Borough Council.

However, according to planning documents, Sport England and the Football Foundation have said they consider it “unlikely” that the pitch would be actively used, instead advising Homes England to consider using the pitch for more housing.

Homes England is the government’s housing agency and the owner of the site.

The new plans also reduce the size of a green space for residents called Central Parkland from 0.81 hectares to 0.41 hectares.

Homes England has instead agreed to pay £595,000 to improve facilities at Pannal Sports Ground. This includes a £100,000 contribution as compensation for the loss of the playing pitch.

Read more:

• 180-home plans submitted for former Police training centre

• New bid for 170 homes in Knaresborough

The site will now have 200 homes

It is the second time this year that Homes England has asked HBC to increase the number of homes at the development.

In 2018, the council granted planning permission for 161 homes to be built on the site. However, since then, the land was transferred from the Home Office to Homes England which, in June, submitted fresh plans to add an extra 19 homes to the development.

In HBC’s Local Plan, the site is allocated for 160 homes.

For decades, police recruits from all over the UK came to the site in Harrogate to train. It was closed in 2011 due to cost-cutting.

The new lockdown has delivered a fresh blow to Horticap’s dedicated team of students, who have been unable to work at the popular garden centre on Otley Road since March.

The charity was established 37 years ago to offer adults with learning difficulties the chance to learn practical, personal and teamwork skills through gardening.

However, because many of their students have underlying health conditions, it’s been decided that it would be safer for them to stay at home until the pandemic ends. Now, the charity’s leaders fear the latest lockdown will have an even greater impact on mental health.

Phillip Airey, operations manager at Horticap, told the Stray Ferret:

“They are getting so down with it all really, as they are usually so active here. They want to be working. They are absolutely gutted and they keep asking us why they can’t come back.

“They do understand there’s a virus but it’s been really, really difficult for their mental health. When they are here, it’s great for them. As soon as we can get them back the better, really, for their own wellbeing.”

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With Christmas approaching, the students would be normally be helping prepare for one of Horticap’s busiest times of year, making holly wreaths and helping out in the new shop. Phillip said the staff are just about managing to keep the place ticking over until they come back, as normally, “the students basically do everything”.

There have been dissenting voices on social media who have questioned why garden centres have been allowed to stay open, whereas other sectors have not. But Phillip said gardening has been crucial to people in Harrogate during this difficult year.

He added:

“Gardening is therapeutic. It’s the best thing you can do. We all believe that. We use horticulture as a therapeutic aid for our students. It does them, and me, no end of good.

“The customers get so much out of gardening, especially knowing that our students have grown the plants.”

Councillors will meet in December to consider Harrogate Spring Water’s proposals to extend its bottling plant in the Pinewoods.

The water company, which was bought out last year by multinational firm Danone, has had outline planning permission since 2016 to expand to the west of its existing site.

Harrogate Borough Council confirmed to the Stray Ferret that the planning committee will meet next month to consider an application to change the footprint of the new building, which the company wants to increase from 0.77 hectares to 0.94 hectares.

The plans would also remove public woodland in Rotary Wood, planted by local families to celebrate the organisation’s centenary.

A report from the council’s arboricultural manager, Paul Casey, said the loss of 2.8 acres of woodland floor would remove the “green corridor” link between the north and south of the site. He said:

“There are no proposals put forward that would mitigate for the loss of this woodland.

“In essence an area equal in size and appropriateness for woodland planting would need to be identified and allocated, preferably currently attached in some way to the Pinewoods, so as to meet any on-going objectives in terms of the following non-exhaustive list: biodiversity; woodland potential; carbon capture/sequestration potential; climate change and climate emergency objectives; flood alleviation benefits to match what is being lost; public use and benefits.”

More than 300 letters of objection have been sent to the council since the plans were submitted, including from the Rotary Club of Harrogate, the Pinewoods Conservation Group and Harrogate Civic Society.

Read more:

• Green Party to protest against water firm’s Pinewoods expansion

• Green groups in Harrogate unite to push for radical change

If the planning committee gives the plans the green light in December, another hearing at a future date will consider a separate application to confirm details of the new building, including its appearance and landscaping. The plans include planting some new trees near the bottling plant as well as a “living wall” to the north of the new extension.

In August, Nicky Cain, brand manager at Harrogate Spring Water, told the Stray Ferret the company planned to consult with local groups on the proposals but said the process had been delayed due to coronavirus. However, the Harrogate and District Green Party said the consultation had still not taken place.

Harrogate Spring Water has been contacted for a comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

To view the full details of the planning application, visit the planning pages of Harrogate Borough Council’s website and use reference 19/05245/DVCMAJ.

Fresh plans have been submitted for 170 homes at Water Lane in Knaresborough after a previous application was refused last year.

Landowner Geoffrey Holland’s application would see homes built on the north-eastern edge of Knaresborough, 2km from the town centre.

Harrogate Borough Council refused an application from Mr Holland for 218 homes in October last year, despite the site being allocated for development in what was then the council’s draft Local Plan.

The council said the proposal did not include enough affordable housing and was ‘of poor quality and out of character with its surroundings’.

The new application has reduced the number of homes by 48 to 170, with 40% classed as affordable.

This is still more than the 148 homes allocated for the site in the Local Plan, which was adopted in March this year.

The application proposes 19 x 1-bedroom, 70 x 2-bedroom, 55 x 3-bedroom, 24 x 4-bedroom and 2 X 5-bedroom properties and 170 car parking spaces.

Read more:

• Renovation plans approved for Knaresborough’s Cromwell building

• Knaresborough pub sold with planning for homes

Other housing developments have been granted planning permission to the north of Knaresborough over the past couple of years. These include 78 homes by Persimmon off Orchard Close and 78 homes by Avant Homes off Bar Lane.

In September last year, the council overturned its own decision to allow Gladman Developments to build 175 homes on Bar Lane.

The public has until November 22 to comment on the Water Lane development before the plans go before the council’s planning committee.

Discarded fireworks found this morning at a local beauty spot have highlighted the dangers of fireworks to livestock and wildlife.

Twitter user YorkshireRelic photographed this image of the fireworks, which appear to have been discarded at the rural location between Beckwithshaw and Fewston last night.

The forest is home to wildlife, including deer and several bird species. Sheep graze in nearby fields. It is also popular with walkers and mountain bikers.

YorkshireRelic, who described themselves to the Stray Ferret as a local resident and dog-walker, tweeted:

“Bet the poor sheep just hated their evening. Someone could have cleaned up at least. Quite shameful.”

Conservative Washburn councillor Victoria Oldham, who is also a farmer, said the fireworks posed a risk to animals.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“Fireworks are a potential danger to livestock and although the ground is sodden at the moment and the chances of fire are unlikely, it’s always something to be born in mind.”

According to a 2019 survey carried out by the British Veterinary Association, around 1 in 14 vets reported seeing animals with firework-related injuries over the course of a year.

Read more:

• Fireworks season could be worst for animals in decades

• Blow for Tockwith as firework display cancelled

Tonight is bonfire night and although all public celebrations have been cancelled due to the lockdown, Harrogate Borough Council advised people to recycle discarded fireworks.

The council tweeted:

“Please do not put fireworks in the bin. All used and unused fireworks should be taken to your local household waste recycling centre where they will be disposed of safely.”

German supermarket chain Lidl has unveiled plans to open a new store on the site of the former Lookers car showroom on Knaresborough Road in Harrogate.

The company has yet to submit a formal planning application but has opened a public consultation for the store, which they say will create about 40 jobs.

The 1,263 sq metre supermarket would have an in-store bakery and 94 car parking spaces.

It would open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Read more:

• Lockdown ‘at worst possible time for retail’ says Harrogate bookshop

• Boroughbridge farm shop hopes to boost trade with artisan market

Lidl entered the UK market in 1994 and now has over 800 stores across the country, including one in Knaresborough.

Christies Bar on Kings Road, Harrogate is selling pints of cask ale for £1 today to shift the last of its beer before lockdown begins tomorrow.

Landlord Marik Scatchard told the Stray Ferret it had around 200 pints of Black Sheep and Roosters beer to sell this afternoon — and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Mr Scatchard said business this week had not been as busy as expected and the offer would save the beer from a probable fate down the plug-hole.

He was disappointed the pub has been forced to close due to the month-long lockdown, and is waiting for news on financial support from the government. He said:

“There really hasn’t been any [financial] help this time. We still had to pay full rent last time for three months, which was a bit of a nightmare.

“We’re covid-secure and have had no issues since reopening.”

Mr Scatchard said he was unsure if there would be a melancholic atmosphere at Christies this evening, as drinkers sup their final pints for several weeks.

He hopes the pub will be able to welcome its regulars back on December 2.

Read more:

• ‘Very few’ covid infections in North Yorkshire pubs

• Pub champion backs campaign to save Kirkby Malzeard inn

Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey will stay open during lockdown, the National Trust has confirmed.

The charity said it wanted people to enjoy outdoor spaces, but all of the trust’s indoor sites will close from tomorrow.

That means the visitor centre restaurant at Fountain’s Abbey will remain open for takeaway only.

But the abbey, Studley Royal water garden and the play area will remain open.

At Brimham Rocks, the kiosk will remain open to serve takeaway hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The car parks at both venues will stay open.

Read more:

• Brimham Rocks farmhouse to be turned into a holiday cottage

• Impromptu concert at Brimham Rocks highlights nature and arts

National Trust director-general Hilary McGrady said the well-being of visitors, staff and volunteers was its priority.

Ms McGrady said:

“We follow government advice and guidance at all times, in each of the nations we serve.

“We know how important access to green space, nature and fresh air are to people, and we’ll do everything we can to provide them during the next phase. Our priorities will remain the safety and well-being of visitors, staff and volunteers.”

Green groups in Harrogate have joined forces to increase the pressure on Harrogate Borough Council to tackle climate change.

Harrogate District Climate Action Network represents more than 4,000 residents from 13 groups, including Extinction Rebellion Harrogate, Long Lands Common, the Pinewoods Conservation Group and Zero Carbon Harrogate.

The group is separate to the Harrogate District Climate Coalition, which the council set up at the beginning of the year to bring together councillors as well as green groups and local businesses.

The coalition has been criticised by campaigners for being little more than a talking shop.

The new network has said it will campaign for swift and radical change.

In an open letter to HBC council leader Richard Cooper and cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, Phil Ireland, the network calls for a “step-change in the ambitions and speed of activity” at HBC regarding the climate.

The letter says the network appreciates the council setting up the coalition and developing internal change plans but adds:

“However, the network is very concerned about the limited progress made so far.

“We believe there needs to be a step-change in the ambitions and speed of activity, one which reflects the growing and alarming body of scientific evidence and the urgency needed to mitigate and adapt to climate breakdown.”

Read more:

• Why Harrogate Borough Council won’t declare a ‘Climate Emergency’

• Environmental campaigner quits Harrogate Climate Coalition

Responding to the open letter, Cllr Phil Ireland, cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability said the council had made “good progress” on its climate targets, which are set out in the authority’s Carbon Reduction Strategy.

He said:

“Responding to the climate crisis facing us all is not just an issue for the council.

“It’s an issue for every resident and business across the district. That’s why we created a climate coalition, so we have the right organisations around the same table to jointly tackle climate change together.

“When compared to councils of our size, and with the resources available to us, we have made good progress so far against an ambitious action plan.

“We had already agreed to meet the group before it issued its news release although a convenient date has had to be agreed.”

A full list of HD-CAN members is below:

Extinction Rebellion Harrogate

Harrogate District Friends of the Earth

Harrogate Cycle Action Group

Harrogate & District Green Party

Knaresborough SPARKS

Long Lands Common

Love Sustainable Knaresborough

Nidd Gorge Community Action

Nidderdale Climate and Environment Group

Pinewoods Conservation Group

Sustainably Harrogate

United Nations Association Harrogate

Zero Carbon Harrogate

Junior football clubs in Harrogate and Knaresborough say they are “disappointed and bemused” at the decision to suspend all matches and training sessions from Thursday.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of a new one month lockdown, the FA released a statement yesterday that said all fixtures and training for youth football must end in line with the lockdown.

Chris McVey, chair of Pannal Ash juniors, a well established club that runs boys and girls teams from ages 5 to 18, told the Stray Ferret the enforced break will have a big impact on children’s lives and he is “struggling to come to terms” with the decision.

“The kids love the training so the boys, girls and the parents are all disappointed. Junior football only happens for a number of years, you don’t really appreciate it until it’s taken away from you. This is an important time in their lives, but when it’s gone it’s gone. They make friends for life playing junior football.”

The links between exercise and mental health are well known and Mr McVey believes the break will have a “massive” impact on children’s mental health.

He added:

“I fear that this time of year, when it’s dark, the kids won’t get out at all. That does affect them mentally just as much as physically.

“After last lockdown, the joy when the boys and girls came back was amazing. It was a real focus being with their friends again and getting fit.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Railway Football Club to offer free coaching to youngsters

• Harrogate district golf clubs fight month-long closure

Knaresborough Celtic have been a cornerstone of the community for many years. Club chair Matthew Wood told the Stray Ferret he disagreed with the implication that junior football is unsafe and said the lockdown is “a shame for the kids”.

“I have no evidence of anyone catching covid from playing junior football. We have a one-way system, sanitising, we haven’t had any cases. There isn’t much risk, I don’t think.”

With games cancelled during the first lockdown, Knaresborough Celtic gave parents partial subscription refunds. Mr Wood said the club is in a “challenging” financial environment but hope to receive grants from the FA or government, like last time.

“Who knows where we will end up. We still have our bills to pay, maintencnce, grass still needs cutting. A lot of parents dont realise happen.”

Some of their teams will have one last emotional training session tonight at King James’ school’s 3G pitch, which opened in February but hasn’t been fully utilised due to both lockdowns.

He said:

“There’ll be no skills or tactics, we’ll just let them play for an hour then we’ll see them again in the new year, I guess.”