Major Harrogate housing scheme blocked for second time

Developers have been asked to “go away and rework” a major housing scheme near to Harrogate High School after councillors failed to approve it for a second time.

Meeting virtually today on Zoom and streamed live on YouTube, Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee passed a motion submitted by Cllr Andrew Paraskos to defer the plans for 155 homes until developer Richborough Estates addresses concerns over housing density, transport provision and sustainability.

Plans for 170 homes on Kingsley Road were initially considered the Planning Committee at a meeting on January 28 but councillors passed a motion to refuse it, saying it would lead to a loss of green space and put local schools and the roads network under pressure.

However, HBC’s solicitor, who spoke at the Committee, said a full refusal could leave the authority open to a legal challenge from the developer as the site has been already been allocated in the Local Plan.

The revised plan reduced the number of homes from 170 to 155 which satisfied HBC housing officer who said it “mitigates concerns over being over-intensive.”

Speaking against the development, Cllr Pat Marsh said local infrastructure would be unable to cope with the added demand.

She told the Committee:

“It doesn’t serve any purpose for the existing community and it just brings more pain and aggravation. It adds nothing for the area other than misery for the local residents. The roads will be horrendous.”

Speaking to the Committee, local resident Mr Hansard said he was “aghast” that the plans were coming before the Planning Committee for a second time.

He said:

“The fact that Richborough Estates have reduced housing by 15 does nothing to change the fact that this proposal is nonsensical. No amount of legal interference will change the fact that this development is unethical and a potential risk to public health.”

Read more:

Speaking on behalf of the developer, James Hall, agent for planning consultants Barton Willmore told the Committee that the plans have been revised after discussions with HBC officers and said he didn’t think the layout was over-intense.

He said:

“We’ve listened. We want to make the scheme work well”.

He also said changes have been made to the road layout to tackle congestion and a cycleway has been added to create a new “greenway” to the school and the town centre.

The development had 91 objections with one saying that the matter should not be considered virtually.

Several objections pointed to the impact the development would have on local schools. Harrogate High School has asked for a contribution of £307,435 and Grove Road primary school has asked for £263,422 to cover extra demand for places.

WATCH: Are people in Harrogate ready for pubs to open?

The Stray Ferret has been asking people in Harrogate whether they feel ready to return to pubs and restaurants.

It comes after Boris Johnson announced this afternoon that pubs, restaurants, hotels and cinemas would have the green light to open on 4 July.

The two-metre social distancing rule will be replaced with a ‘one metre-plus’ rule, with the government satisfied that the coronavirus rate of infection has fallen sufficiently.

But will people in the district feel comfortable returning to hospitality…

 

 

 

 

 

Police appeal for information after man exposes himself on the Stray

Police are appealing for information after a man exposed himself on the Stray in Harrogate at the weekend.

It happened near Slingsby Walk, which runs between Oatlands Drive and Wetherby Road, near the ginnel through to St Winifred’s Avenue, on Sunday afternoon between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

A man has been arrested and police are continuing to make enquiries. A spokesman said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. In particular, we are appealing for information from any person who witnessed anybody behaving inappropriately in that area around the time of the reported incident.”

Police have also warned the public to be careful about sharing material and speculating about the incident while the investigation continues, after people posted about the incident on social media on Sunday evening.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Jon Everitt. Alternatively, email jonathan.everitt@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

To report information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200104912.

Councils urged to help pubs and restaurants create more space

As pubs and restaurants have now been given the go-ahead to reopen next month, the political debate has shifted kerbside as councils are urged to allow businesses to create space on pavements for drinkers and diners.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this afternoon that pubs, restaurants and hotels will be able to reopen from July 4 after three months of lockdown.

The two metre social distancing rule will also be relaxed to one metre where possible, but people will be encouraged to use their “common sense” and keep their distance.

But the debate among local politicians has now shifted onto how to help businesses deal with the number of customers who are eager for a pint while abiding social distancing guidance.

Ahead of the announcement, trade bodies in the Harrogate district called for quicker licensing laws to help pubs and restaurants open more space onto pavements to increase capacity.

Read more:

Geoff Webber, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on North Yorkshire County Council, said that the district and county authority should support businesses where possible and monitor social distancing.

He said: “My first reaction is that it is too soon.

“But as a county council we should do everything we can to assist business. There is a danger that the pavements can get congested, so it needs to be monitored.”

Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate, said in the House of Commons this afternoon that he supported using outdoor space for hospitality and added that jobs in the district “depended on it”.

Pleased to be able to ask @BorisJohnson about using outdoor space to ensure space for hospitality businesses to open safely. Many jobs and businesses depend on this locally in #Harrogate & #Knaresborough. pic.twitter.com/lrdHA8qEpy

— Andrew Jones MP (@AJonesMP) June 23, 2020

In response to Mr Jones, the Prime Minister urged local authorities to “be more creative” and said that there was “plenty of space to be found”.

Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Ripon and Skipton, has been contacted for comment on the news but has yet to respond.

Jack Woodruff, owner of The Disappearing Chin in Beulah Street, Harrogate, said a quicker licensing process would help  to open up more space in front of the bar.

He said: ”I’d like to hear a relax in outdoor licensing law from the government,

“I had one in from months ago but you have to go through several agencies.

“A relaxation to those rules would be ideal and it would be a really big help as we have a few areas that would allow that at the front but currently can’t use.”

The news comes as businesses in the district called for clarity on the the rule in order to reopen in July.

Pub, hotel and restaurant owners said the rule needed to be relaxed in order for their businesses to be viable after lockdown.

No coronavirus deaths in Harrogate hospital for another day

Harrogate District Hospital has not reported any coronavirus deaths for a third day running.

The last death at the hospital happened last Thursday, but any which occurred more recently could still be updated in the coming days.

It means that the total number of deaths at the hospital in Harrogate remains at 80, and it has also discharged 125 patients.

Read more:

Hospitals across England have recorded 46 deaths in today’s NHS figures, bringing the total deaths up to 28,384.

Patients were aged between 51 and 97 years old. Two of the patients, who were aged 84 and 87, had no known underlying health conditions.

Harrogate couple to marry after twice cancelled wedding

A Harrogate couple has received some good news from The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate who has offered to host their wedding after their original plans were ruined.

Ali Farr and Ben Cross ,who both work for the NHS, had their wedding plans cancelled twice. Firstly due to lockdown and secondly because their chosen venue, St George Hotel on Ripon Road, went into administration.

The couple had their wedding invitations re-printed for free and then heard the venue had gone bust.

However, thanks to the help of Ali’s grandma and bridesmaids, The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate has offered their venue for the couples wedding on December 31- the day they’d been due to marry at the St George.

Read more: 

Bride- to- be, Ali Farr told The Stray Ferret that she is still apprehensive and hopes there isn’t a second wave. She said:

“It has all been quite overwhelming, if it happens on New Year’s Eve it will be amazing, but I am trying not to get too excited just in case, but who knows what’s going to happen.”

The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate will host Ali and Ben’s wedding at the end of the year.

The Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate also offered their venue up for the couples wedding. Guests travelling from as far as Australia and Singapore have been told about the new date.

The couple, who have been working throughout the crisis, have still had no correspondence with St George Hotel except for the information given on their website.

Harrogate care home coronavirus deaths reach 90

Care homes in Harrogate have reported another seven coronavirus deaths in a week, taking the total number to 90.

The care home data is from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and only accounts for deaths up until June 12.

As well as care homes, the data also revealed that seven Harrogate people have died in their homes, at a hospice, or in other communal establishments.

Read more:

It means that Harrogate District Hospital, which has confirmed 80 deaths as of yesterday, has reported fewer deaths than care homes even with the 10 day lag.

As of last Thursday, Harrogate District Hospital had also discharged 125 patients after treating them for coronavirus.

It follows the news yesterday that there had been 15 coronavirus deaths in the UK in all settings on one day, the lowest since lockdown started.

Two North Yorkshire recovery plans launched to save tourism

Two county-wide recovery plans are set to be put in place to help tourism and hospitality as the industry faces a battle to recover from coronavirus. 

Analysis by the York and North Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership has forecast 20,000 jobs losses and a drop in value of 40% across the sector this year as a result of the pandemic.

The industry in the wider-county, which is worth around £9 billion a year, has taken a hit due lockdown as hotels, attractions and the hospitality sector have been closed for the past three months.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement today on the two metre distancing rule and further relaxing of restrictions.

Read more:

Bosses at the North Yorkshire LEP have launched an economic recovery plan for the region which will focus on getting people back to work, greater digital connection and safer, greener public spaces.

David Kerfoot MBE DL, chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has bought challenge in one way or another to every single one of us, yet it has undoubtedly impacted heaviest on those in our society who already had the least.

“It is absolutely crucial that this vision is realised. We must ensure those who have previously been left behind aren’t pushed further into the margins. 

“We must seize the incredibly unique opportunity we have to grow and strengthen our economy, whilst positively mitigating against climate change.”

Meanwhile, Welcome to Yorkshire has also launched its own recovery plan to help the industry and its 225,000 employees.

The organisation has said it will offer regional support for businesses, introduce a Yorkshire gift card for customers and launch a marketing campaign for the county.

The move comes as owners of firms in the Harrogate hospitality sector have urged for clarity on the one metre rule in order for hotels, bars and restaurants to reopen.

But some restaurant owners have warned that some in the industry may not survive.

David Straker, co-owner of popular Harrogate restaurant William & Victoria told The Stray Ferret that the situation is perilous for many restaurants in the town.

He said:

“It’s hard. It’s really, really hard. We’re fortunate here as we own our property and we have a fantastic loyal clientele which is absolutely paramount to a business.”

District hotels, pubs and restaurants desperate for one metre clarity

Hotel owners, pub landlords and restaurants in the Harrogate District say they are desperate for clarity on the reopening of the hospitality sector after a tough three months of lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement today on cutting the two metre social distancing rule and relaxing restrictions as pressure mounts on the government to revive the economy.

It comes as the industry has been hit hard by lockdown with hundreds of staff furloughed and hotels, bars and restaurants closed to the public since March.

In Harrogate, Simon Cotton, owner of The Yorkshire Hotel and White Hart Hotel, said introducing a one metre rule would “without question” help his business and boost capacity to around 80% compared with just 25% under the current guidance.

The Yorkshire Hotel, Harrogate.

Mr Cotton added that he was eager for the government to give more clarity on social distancing rules so that hotels can prepare for a July opening.

He said: “We need to know that now. We have prepared for a lot of things, but we cannot do more until we known the rules.

“We are desperate for this to be able to plan. We are in the time of the year where we normally make our money. It is where most businesses survive. If you do not have a good summer, then you will not survive the winter.”

Read more:

The need for clarity is shared by pub owners who will have to grapple with the number of drinkers looking for a long awaited pint.

Trade bodies have already called for local authorities in the district to speed up the licensing process to help bars in the district open out onto the street and create space for customers.

But Tony Brown, manager at The Crown in Pateley Bridge, said it would not be viable for his pub to reopen if the two metre distancing rule is not cut.

He said: “For us, it’s quite simple, if social distancing doesn’t come down from two metres to one, it won’t be financially viable for us to reopen on July 4.

“Even with a change in social distancing, we will still need to look at what other measures we will need to put in place, such as a screen at the bar and markings on the floor. I’ve kept in touch with our regulars and they can’t wait for us to reopen.”

Sara Ferguson, owner of Sasso restaurant in Harrogate.

Meanwhile, Sara Ferguson, owner of Sasso restaurant on Princes Square, Harrogate, said the need for a clear picture from government extends to staff.

She said: “We need clarity on whether it’s one metre or two metres and whether we are allowed customers inside or outside.
“We also need clarification on the coronavirus job retention scheme and if staff can work part time.”
Masks and visors for staff serving in restaurants to be new normal

Toilet traffic light systems and pre-booking an arrival time are to become the new normal as pubs and restaurants set to reopen from 4 July.

Hospitality businesses in the district are anxiously waiting to hear the reduced one metre distance to be announced during todays’s coronavirus briefing. Even with the new distance in place, the experience previously offered for customers is likely to be different when they reopen.

Jack Woodruff who owns The Disappearing Chin in Harrogate, said the distancing rule has made planning problematic:

“We are offering pre-booked slots for maybe two or three hours but due to our size the distancing is problematic when it comes to the toilets. For example, we couldn’t have one person walking to the toilet and another sat at the bar as they would be too close together so we’ve had to introduce a one-way system to the toilets.

“For the sake of the size of our bar we have also had to order perspex screens to use and we will have to limit contact between staff and customers.”

Simon Wade is the owner of the Grantham Arms in Boroughbridge, like many others he will have to introduce new safety systems once he can reopen:

“We’re now taking orders from tables, those orders will then be placed on large barrels, that are dotted around, for the customers to collect.

“We also have a one way system for the toilets. It’s like a traffic light system, so a person will press a button with their elbow to indicate they’re inside and will press it again as they leave another way to let the next person waiting to go in know they can. We will also have staff constantly sanitising areas and we just hope customers are happy to follow our rules.”

Outdoor spaces are invaluable for pub owners who may be limited to indoor space.

Read more:

David Straker, is the co-owner of the William and Victoria restaurant in Harrogate, believes the new dining experience may not be as enjoyable for guests:

‘It will be a lot quieter. The width of the room is about two metres. We could fit four tables in downstairs, then the same in each room upstairs”.

“My biggest reservation is do people want to be served by people wearing masks and visors? It doesn’t lend itself to a nice experience. It’s not going to be forever but we’re going to have to. We have a responsibility to our members of staff and you have to give them the right stuff.”

Nick Rahmen, owner of Cardamom Black in Harrogate, said:

“There will be no toilets open and people won’t be allowed to congregate at the bar. We’ll have thermometers to test if somebody is visibly under the weather. But we cant go too far to offend people.”