A businessman has resubmitted plans for a bespoke scuba diving training pool in Knaresborough.
Tim Yarrow, owner of Harrogate-based DiveShack UK, has lodged the plans in a bid to give the district a “truly unique” facility.
The plan would see the training pool built at land at Thistle Hill in Knaresborough and see the site changed from agricultural land to a deep water diving centre.
Mr Yarrow, who has been a a scuba instructor around the world for 30 years, said the move would help to draw people in from the area and improve access to the sport.
He added that his club, which has been open since 2018, currently trains young and upcoming divers. He said the facility would help to expand this.
He said:
“Our youngest diver is now 11, having completed her course at 10 and is currently spearheading an environmental charity campaign.
“This involves eight of her school peers coming and doing try dives with us and all money is going toward the British Divers Marine Life Rescue Association. These guys are the future and the potential saviours of our planet.”
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Mr Yarrow added that he hoped the proposed facility would be sympathetic to the local area. He has resubmitted the plan after withdrawing a previous proposal following concern from Knaresborough Town Council.
He said:
“The facility proposed will allow access for Diveshack to promote courses tailored to individual needs and timings, taking very little of the land for change of use and no negative impact on the close neighbours of whom all have been consulted and are in support.
“It has been drawn up in a sympathetic way to the environment with materials and energy usage and aims to be the best, most eco designated scuba training facility in the North.
“It will allow access to an amazing sport to numerous people who would maybe never have thought they could ever give it a try.”
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.
