Local Harrogate News & Views around the district - Page 303 of 1134

Plan to install solar panels on historic Harrogate almshouses

Plans have been submitted to install 56 solar panels on historic almshouses in Harrogate town centre.

The Rogers Almshouses Trustees have tabled the proposal for the gothic-style grade two listed site, which was built in about 1868, on Belford Road.

In its plan to North Yorkshire Council, the trustees said the move would help to provide a “sustainable solution” for energy at the 14 houses.

The almshouses were a gift from George Rogers, Bradford textile manufacturer and Harrogate philanthropist.

Originally, 12 almshouses were constructed. Planning permission was granted for a further two one-bedroom houses in 2020.

The proposal would see solar panels installed at the site to help produce renewable energy for the homes, which are classed as affordable housing.

Planning documents submitted to the council said:

“The application proposes the introduction of 56 PV modules distributed across the eastern facing roof of the main almshouses building and the southern facing side of the bungalow to help meet the energy needs of the dwellings by providing a more sustainable solution through renewable energy sources.”

It added that the proposal would have “minimal visual impact” and would “protect the visual integrity” of the site, which is in the Harrogate Conservation Area.

A heritage statement submitted by architects Richard Eves in support of the application said:

“The proposal makes a significant contribution to the quality of the build environment in the locality and it will provide the charity with the valuable opportunity of further future proofing this historic building.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

Business Breakfast: Construction firm hires two new directors

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am.

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate construction management company has made two senior appointments.

Artium Construction, which specialises in design and build projects, has taken on Martin Watson as managing director and shareholder and Joe McDermott as director and shareholder. The pair, both formerly of Leeds-based GMI Construction Group, join Garry Shaw, who was appointed director and shareholder of Artium Construction last year.

Artium Construction currently has an order book worth £12 million for its first year of operation, with projects in Harrogate, Ripon and York. The directors intend to build it into a £50m turnover construction business over the next five years.

Sam Colley, director and co-owner of Artium Group, said:

“Garry, Joe and Martin possess outstanding and pragmatic experience in every dimension of construction. Their reputation as dynamic, conscientious, and results-orientated professionals proceeds them.”

Project services offered by Artium Construction include cost analysis and budgeting, risk assessment and mitigation, programme management, construction co-ordination and delivery, supply chain management, health and safety, and environmental compliance, and delivery of corporate social responsibility requirements.

New workshop for tourism businesses

Tourism and hospitality businesses planning their marketing for 2024 are being invited to a new workshop organised by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

The training is available exclusively to hotels, B&Bs, self-catering operators, wedding venues, restaurants, spas, visitor attractions and events organisers, and will be delivered by Martin Evans of The Tourism Business, a York-based marketing consultancy. Martin has over two decades’ experience working with more than 150 of the UK’s leading hotels, attractions and other tourism operators.

The free workshop, which will explore marketing and promotional ideas that attendees can put into practice in their own business, will be held place on Thursday, October 26 at Harrogate Co-Lab, next to the Convention Centre. The session will take place from 10am to 4pm and a light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Places are limited so reserving a place is recommended. To sign up, see the event page on the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub website.

Andrew Jones MP ‘disappointed’ after HS2 northern leg cancelled

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has said he is “disappointed” after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scrapped plans for the northern leg of HS2.

In a speech before the Conservative Party conference this afternoon, Mr Sunak announced the high speed rail link between Birmingham and Manchester would be cancelled. Only the new London Euston to Birmingham line will be built.

The Prime Minister said the move would save £36 billion, which he pledged to spend on other transport projects.

Mr Jones, who has long been a vocal supporter of the HS2 project and is co-chair of the Transport Across The North All Party Parliament Group, said the scheme would cost billions of pounds more than expected, but regretted the decision to scrap it.

He said:

“I am disappointed by the news today that the northern leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester is to be effectively scrapped. The idea of HS2 was to build capacity into our north-south rail links. Building that capacity is the right thing to do and HS2 would achieve that.

“HS2 Limited was set up to manage the project and it has become clear that it has lost control of its costs. It is right that the company will be held accountable for this.

“HS2 is now looking to over-run by tens of billions of pounds. From an original budget of around £30bn it seems likely when the latest updates are released that the cost will be over £100bn.

“In context, that over-run is approaching half of what we spend on the NHS every year.

“I can see, therefore, why a decision had to be made. It is though a decision I regret.”

The MP and former rail minister told a Transport for the North conference in September 2021 it was vital that the HS2 scheme was delivered in full for the north.

At the time, he said the high speed rail link would help to put “more connectivity and capacity into our system”.

In a statement to the Stray Ferret today, Mr Jones said it remained his position that he would have preferred the Manchester leg of the project to have been delivered.

However, he added that the “ballooning cost” of HS2 was holding back other transport infrastructure in the north of England.

Mr Jones said:

“The ballooning costs of HS2 are holding back other investment in transport infrastructure in the north. The Prime Minister has promised that the cash that would have been invested in the Manchester leg of HS2 will be repurposed to other northern projects – ones which can be achieved more quickly and have a more immediate impact on people’s lives and businesses.

“So I am disappointed that we have ended up in this place. I would have preferred the remainder of the HS2 to Manchester to be completed. That has always been my position and it remains my position now.

“But we are where we are because HS2 Limited has demonstrated poor financial control. We cannot turn the clock back. In politics you need to look forward even when circumstances change in a way you wish they had not. The Prime Minister listed some but I look forward to hearing about more northern projects, and in more detail, that are to become the focus of the investment that would have been dedicated to HS2.”

Meanwhile, Lord McLoughlin, chair of Transport for the North, said the move to cancel the northern leg of HS2 was “naturally disappointing”.

He said:

“It’s undeniable that this will be seen by many as a missed opportunity for the region, and the country as a whole. Only last week, northern business and political leaders came together at our TfN Board to speak with ‘one voice’ to reaffirm our position that HS2 and NPR in full are vital to truly transform the North.

“The announcement of investment in the region is obviously welcome. And we will look to work with government to fully understand the implications for the north of the proposals set out today in the Prime Minister’s speech, and consult with our board on the best way forward in light of this new change of policy.

“There are still quite a few areas that require further clarification from the Department for Transport, which we will be seeking from them.”

Picket line in Harrogate as trains and hospital hit by strikes

A picket line was in operation outside Harrogate railway station today as the district was hit by another day of strikes to key services.

Members of train drivers’ union Aslef picketed on Station Parade from 8am to noon in what was their 14th wave of industrial action since June last year.

No trains operated on the Harrogate and Knaresborough line and rail operator Northern has warned of further disruption tomorrow and Friday. Passengers are advised to check before they travel as there may be some short notice cancellations.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said there had been no further talks with the government or rail firms since the union rejected a “risible” pay offer in April.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We hope to see a resolution to this issue in the near future and an end to the disruption these strikes cause.”

A three-day strike by junior doctors and consultants at Harrogate District Hospital is due to end at 7am tomorrow.

The British Medical Association said the strike over pay had resulted in ‘Christmas Day’ cover, meaning emergency care had been staffed but only minimal cover had been provided elsewhere.

Councillors defer decision on Hampsthwaite garage expansion

Councillors have deferred making a decision on whether to allow a new MOT and servicing building at a garage near Hampsthwaite.

North Yorkshire Council’s Skipton and Ripon planning committee met yesterday afternoon to consider the application by Simon Graeme Auto Services Centre, which has operated at Graystone Plain Lane off the A59 for 30 years.

But despite the scheme being recommended for refusal by a planning officer because of its impact on the open countryside, councillors agreed the expansion would help support a long-running local business and boost the rural economy.

Ripon independent councillor Andrew Williams said the Nidderdale AONB should be a place for people to live and work and “not a museum for townies to visit on a weekend”.

However, before a final decision is made councillors asked for more details to be submitted around planting, drainage and renewable energy.

The current garage is located within the Nidderdale AONB, which has strict planning laws. The proposed new building, which would house two MOT bays and five servicing bays, sits on land just outside of the AONB.

A previous plan for a larger building was refused by officers in January but Nathan Hull, committee chair and Conservative councillor for Washburn and Birstwith, said there was a local need for the garage in the area.

The plans have received 55 messages of support and just one objection.

A visual of the planned new garage.

Cllr Hull said:

“My understanding is there’s a need for this garage and they’ve outgrown the site.

“Some proposals are great, such as having a study area for apprenticeships. There’s not a moratorium on any development within the AONB. People who live in the AONB have a need for employment and access to services”.

Mr Graeme told councillors the new building would future-proof his family business and allow it to service and repair electric vehicles. He said he has an ambition to create the first “green garage” in North Yorkshire.

Mr Graeme said:

“Location is the most important part. We’ve been there 30 years and proved that the service is very-much needed in the rural area. We provide jobs for local people which helps to support the rural economy. Opportunities will increase with our expansion”.

Councillors unanimously voted to defer the application pending more details on drainage, planting, solar panels and type of materials used.

Metal fencing to remain indefinitely in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens

Metal fencing looks set to remain outside a Harrogate town centre attraction indefinitely.

The fencing was erected across the entrance of the pavilion in Crescent Gardens on Friday last week to block a group of rough sleepers.

The group had occupied the pavilion for two weeks and returned twice after being dispersed.

The fencing has now been in place for five days and nearby residents, who complained of anti-social behaviour during the encampment, are keen to know what long-term measures are being taken to deal with the situation.

There are also concerns about how long the pavilion will be out of bounds from the public as well as the fencing creating an eyesore in the middle of Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council, which worked with North Yorkshire Police to disperse the encampment, how long the fencing was expected to remain in place.

A council spokesperson did not give a date but said:

“The fencing was put in place as a temporary measure in response to the issues. Any decision to remove the fencing will be made in partnership with all agencies working on this matter.”

The spokesperson said no legal powers were used to move on the rough sleepers, who had turned down offers of accommodation.

They added:

“We followed our unauthorised camper procedure, and following discussions with those in situ they voluntarily cleared the site and moved location.”

Asked what other measures it was taking, besides the fencing, to deal with the situation, the spokesperson said:

“There is a multi-agency approach to this with regular meetings – the situation is being monitored.”

MPs Watch: Climate change, NHS dentists and Harrogate Station Gateway saga

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a major shift in the government’s climate policies, including delaying the ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars.

Meanwhile, in Harrogate, the saga over the Station Gateway project continued with council officials announcing the authority would explore alternative options for the scheme.

We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Keir Mather if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but did not receive a response.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

On September 1, Mr Jones attended a Harrogate war memorial centenary event.
Mr Jones met with Alzheimer’s Research UK in Parliament on September 6.
On September 8, he met with North Yorkshire and Humber Integrated Care Board, alongside regional MPs, to discuss NHS dentistry.
Mr Jones then raised the issue of NHS dentistry access in Harrogate during Prime Minister’s Question Time on September 13.
On September 14, he raised a question to the Department for Business and Trade regarding support for companies exporting and asked the Leader of the House for a debate on SEND funding.
He chaired a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport across the North.
Mr Jones described the Prime Minister’s announcement of a shift in climate policy as “practical and pragmatic” on September 21.
Mr Jones visited the refurbished Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre on September 22.
On September 25, he met with constituents to discuss anti-social behaviour concerns at the former Kimberley Hotel.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on September 26 that he hoped North Yorkshire Council will use money earmarked for the £11.2m Station Gateway to create a more welcoming space in Harrogate.

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for September.

They included holding constituency surgeries, supporting Nidd Action Group’s Action Day at the Lido Leisure Park in Knaresborough and holding a roundtable with Harrogate-based cyclists to discuss local cycling infrastructure.

Others included meeting with representatives of the Women’s Institute to support their Clean Rivers campaign, meeting the Jewish Leadership Council, Food and Drink Federation and Macmillan Cancer Support and visiting the site of the local mental health crisis line to learn more about how calls are handled by TEWV NHS Foundation Trust.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Mr Smith spoke three times in the House of Commons in September, two contributions were on Northern Ireland and another on paediatric acute-onset neuro- psychiatric syndrome.
He visited Fountains Abbey near Ripon to be given an update on its plans to renovate the site.
Mr Smith tweeted 14 times in September, which included to posts to promote various government grants and initiatives.
He updated his website six times in September, which included one item specific to Ripon.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

In Selby and Ainsty, which includes rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Mather:

Mr Mather was sworn in as the new MP for Selby and Ainsty on September 4.
He made 20 written questions to government departments in September, including topics such as access to GPs, anti-social behaviour and gender based violence.
On September 1, Mr Mather tweeted that he met the chief executive of Yorkshire Housing, Nick Atkin, to discuss “how to win the race to net zero in North Yorkshire by investing in affordable and sustainable housing for all”.
Mr Mather tweeted six times in September, which included topics such as meeting with the National Farmers’ Union and being sworn into parliament.
He updated his Facebook page 11 times in September. Posts included SEND provision in Selby and sharing concerns over RAAC in schools.
Mr Mather has yet to give his maiden speech in the House of Commons.

Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company acquires local financial firm

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 26 October at Banyan in Harrogate between 8 am – 10 am.

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Knaresborough company has completed the acquisition of a local financial firm.

Prosperis, which is based at St James’ Business Park, has acquired fellow Knaresborough business RMB Financial Management Ltd.

Niall Gunn, chief executive at Prosperis, said the move will help to benefit its clients.

He said:

“We are delighted to have been able to acquire such a high-quality business and, in doing so, allows us to continue to provide clients an excellent professional level of service for the foreseeable future.

“As an independently owned business, this acquisition will benefit greatly all clients. We are on track to add further locations within the north-east as we continue with our growth plans.”

Paul Meehan, chairman at Prosperis, added:

“These are exciting times for the whole Prosperis team and we remain very acquisitive.

“The purchase of the RMB business sets us up nicely as we now move to the next phase of the strategy to buy more firms. We expect to complete on another deal before the end of the year in addition to some additional senior hires.”

Former Harrogate bank building goes on the market

A former bank building in Harrogate has been placed on the market for offers over £1 million.

No7 Cambridge Crescent is a landmark listed building, which covers 6,000 square feet in the town centre.

No7 Cambridge Crescent in Harrogate.

Cambridge Crescent was built in 1867-8 by George Dawson to a design of J H Hirst of Bristol featuring enriched Flemish Renaissance frontage with the former banking premises suitable for retail, office and residential uses.

The property has been stripped out for ease of development with the ground floor former banking hall now open plan and a lower ground floor, previously the secure storage area, has had the safe removed.

Tim Waring, prime property at GSC Grays which is marketing the building, said:

“This is a unique opportunity to purchase a charming building in a fantastic central location in the famous spa town of Harrogate with potential for various development options.”

New cafe opens on Starbeck High Street

A brand new cafe has opened in Starbeck.

Susie June’s Cafe, which is based at 67F High Street, opened its doors yesterday.

The new venture was founded by local business partners Simone MacDermid and Charlotte Currie.

They acquired the site, which was the former Millers Cafe, in July.

The pair, who both worked in the hospitality industry, launched the venture with the aim to create a “community feel”. The name comes from the first names of both owners’ mothers.

Ms MacDermid told the Stray Ferret:

“We’re both local girls.

“Everyone knows that we are here to provide for everyone’s needs. We have had local people in and use local produce.”

She added that the pair had help from friends and family to get the venture off the ground.

The cafe offers traditional breakfast, hot sandwiches, soups, cakes and pastries.

It is open six days a week from 7am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Susie June’s becomes the latest hospitality venue to open in Starbeck this year.

In April, The Office Ale House bar opened on High Street.

Meanwhile, Chilli Chicks chicken restaurant and takeaway opened in July.

Yorkshire Water investment plan ‘utterly scandalous’, say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats in Harrogate and Knaresborough have described a plan by Yorkshire Water to increase bills to invest in infrastructure as “utterly scandalous”.

The company submitted the £7.8 billion proposal to Ofwat yesterday as part of investment plans for 2025 to 2030.

Tom Gordon, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said people would be “rightly outraged” if the plan were approved.

However, Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for the constituency, said the proposal was a step up for Yorkshire Water which would help to “strengthen” plans for a bathing water application for the River Nidd.

The company’s plan includes £3.1 billion to improve resilience in the water network, £4.3 billion to protect river and coastal water quality and investment in customer service and financial support for customers.

However, it would mean average bills would rise from £438.12 in 2024/25 (£36.51 per month) to £518.76 in 2025/26 (£43.23 per month) with increases each year thereafter.

Mr Gordon said he had joined calls for Ofwat to ensure that money is spent to fix and upgrade the water network.

He said:

“It is utterly scandalous that customers are going to be expected to cover the costs of these upgrades. Yearly water bills are going to rise by nearly 20% under these proposals. It is a slap in the face to our community that we are expected to pay for the years of underinvestment in water company infrastructure that has led to this sewage scandal.

“To add insult to injury, in recent years, Yorkshire Water executives have taken home million in bonuses. That money should have been invested in upgrading their ageing infrastructure instead.

“I am happy to join the calls of the Liberal Democrats, who today wrote to the government and Ofwat asking that they step in to ensure that this money is spent on fixing leaky pipes and stopping sewage discharges rather than lining the pocket of water company execs.

“People in Harrogate and Knaresborough will be rightly outraged if they are made to pay the price for this sewage scandal, while water company bosses continue to trouser huge bonuses.”

River Nidd bathing water status

However, Mr Jones said the move would help to strengthen plans to submit a bathing water application for the River Nidd.

The move would oblige organisations such as the Environment Agency to take action to clean the Nidd, amid concerns about high sewage levels and bathers falling ill at Knaresborough Lido.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Mr Jones added that, while bills would increase if approved, the plan also included measures to support “less well-off customers”.

He said:

“This proposal put to Ofwat looks to be a real step up from Yorkshire Water when it comes to water quality and I welcome that. Investing nearly £4.3 billion in environmental initiatives as part of a 7.8 billion plan is a significant commitment. It recognises the scale of the task and the proposals will strengthen the bathing water quality application for the Nidd in Knaresborough which is being put together right now.

“None of us like seeing bills increase which is why I was pleased to see the support package put in place for less well-off customers and the commitment from shareholders to support the plan financially.

“We need Yorkshire Water to lead the way with critical new and upgraded infrastructure to waste treatment plants, water storage facilities and storm overflows. Alongside this they need to provide better and more impactful information about how people should dispose of sanitary products, items containing microplastics and kitchen waste so that they don’t get to the sewerage system and our waterways. We should also look at how we can reduce the effect rainwater run-off from agricultural land has on our rivers.

“The approach should be to tackle the water quality issue positively from every angle and this investment should enable Yorkshire Water to do that.”

Nicola Shaw, chief executive of Yorkshire Water, said the plans were the company’s largest ever investment into the network.

She said:

“This submission marks our largest ever environmental investment and illustrates our commitment to deliver what our customers expect. The programme will protect and improve the quality of water in rivers and at coasts, leading to cleaner, safer water environments that support recreation and biodiversity across the region.”

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River Nidd bathing water status

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