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25
Jan 2023
Bilton electric charging points halted due to cost and vandalism concerns
Councillors have scrapped plans to install electrical vehicle charging points in Bilton due to concerns about vandalism and cost.
In October last year, Harrogate Borough Council approved its own planning application to demolish 10 garages at Woodfield Close to make way for two homes providing temporary accommodation for homeless people.
The scheme included five off-street public parking spaces with EV charging infrastructure.
But the council's planning committee yesterday voted to amend its application by removing electric charging points from the plan and replacing them with solar panels on the roofs of the new houses.
Officials at the authority raised concern that the infrastructure would have a “lack of anticipated use” and, as a result, would be at a “higher chance of vandalism”.
Tom O’Donovan, economy and transport officer at the council, said in planning documents to councillors:
Read more:
- Homeless accommodation plan approved for Bilton garages
- Maltkiln developer still ‘confident’ in new town near Cattal
Mr O’Donovan said the points would cost £3,080 over five years to run and maintain and the installation costs “will depend on the costs from Northern Powergrid”.
Arthama Lakhanpall, planning officer at the council, said the justification given by the council officer demonstrated that the infrastructure would be “more of a liability than an asset to the council" and solar panels would be "more suitable in terms of delivery and energy monitoring".
Questions over green credentials
However, some councillors on the planning committee yesterday questioned the move.
Cllr Victoria Oldham, a Conservative who represents Washburn, asked whether it would make sense to keep the charging points for staff helping homeless people at the accommodation.
She said:
Cllr Robert Windass, a Conservative who represents Boroughbridge, said electric vehicle charging points had been fitted in Back Lane car park in Boroughbridge and had never been vandalised.
He said:
Pat Marsh, a Liberal Democrat who represents Harrogate Hookstone, said removing the charging points raised questions about the council's commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
Councillors approved the application by nine votes to two, with one abstention.
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