Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes

A Harrogate-based housing developer has secured £150 million worth of funding to help support its plans for new homes across the UK.

Casa By Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, has been granted an initial £60 million debt facility from NatWest, which will rise to £150 million.

The company said the deal will help to “accelerate our delivery of high-quality new communities across the UK”, which includes creating more than 1,100 rental homes.

The move comes as the firm recently acquired a 223-home site known as Abbey Court between Kirkstall and Headingley in Leeds.

Johnny Caddick, chief executive at Moda Living, said: 

“This new funding package from NatWest is a major milestone in Casa’s growth trajectory. This year we will welcome our first residents into our neighbourhoods in both Glasgow and Leeds, but we’re also gearing up our programme of delivery which will see us achieve our aim of securing more than 5,000 new homes by 2025.”

Harrogate energy firm recognised by WIRED magazine

A Harrogate smart energy company has been recognised as one of WIRED magazines trailblazers of 2023.

The technology publication set up a trailblazer programme, in collaboration with HSBC UK, to shine a light on the innovative, mid-sized businesses.

Among them is Chameleon Technology, which is based on Otley Road.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

The firm specialises in smart energy devices and recently delivered its 10 millionth in-home display this summer. It has manufactured on average 1.6 million devices a year.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive at the company, was invited to a celebratory event on behalf of WIRED at the Shears Yard in Leeds.

He said:

“The initiative celebrates companies across the UK that are contributing to the UK becoming a global hub of innovation.

“We are thrilled to have our work in the ongoing revolution of smart home energy recognised, and to join such an inspiring group.”

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Council spends £478,000 on halving number of litter bins

Almost half a million pounds of taxpayers’ money is being spent on halving the number of litter bins in the Harrogate district.

Council staff are replacing 1,500 old bins with 775 new, larger bins.

Some dog walkers are upset because bins on popular routes have been taken away and replaced by ones alongside main roads that are easier to empty.

A freedom of information request by the Stray Ferret to North Yorkshire Council revealed the new bins cost £478,000.

The council said the cost of replacing the old bins would have been £339,000.

It estimated it will save £16,000 a year by no longer having to buy 240,000 bin liners because the new receptacles don’t require them.

It also expects to save between £17,000 to £19,000 a year because the new bins can be handled more efficiently by bin wagon. The council also expects to save an unspecified sum on fuel, because there are fewer bins to empty.

Photo of Knox resident Maxie Schiffmann looking into a green wheelie bin for dog waste that North Yorkshire Council has placed near her front gate.

A new bin in Knox.

The freedom of information response by North Yorkshire Council said the management board at the now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council signed off the new system.

A spokesperson from the council’s environment directorate said:

“The main aim of the project was to reduce the number of duplicate journeys between different services.

“This does provide a level of savings, coupled with a benefit to the environment, through a reduction in annual mileage and almost eradicating the need for the 240,000 single-use liners used on the smaller bins.”

They added:

“It provides further benefits by allowing the streetscene team to provide a more proactive service in regard to littering, fly tipping, and the clearance of detritus.

“To achieve this, the old infrastructure, totalling close to 1500 bins, is being replaced with 775 new bins. With the greater capacity, fewer bins are required which helps reduce street furniture, particularly in locations where two bins may have been placed close together.”

Dog walkers in Knox, Jennyfields and Knaresborough have contacted the Stray Ferret with concerns about the new system.

A new bin on Jenny Field Drive.

In Jennyfields, where new bins have been sited on main roads rather than in the field near the leisure centre, Elizabeth Horner said “the amount of rubbish from having no bins in the area has got disgusting”.

Another dog walker, Diana Salama, said there was now “nowhere to easily dispose of poo”.

Under the new system, dog waste is no longer classified as hazardous waste and can be placed in any bin. This means dog waste can be placed in owners’ general waste bins.

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Plans to create flats above Harrogate store approved

North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate shop into flats.

The application, which was lodged by York-based developer Andrew Farr, will see six flats created on West Park above the Elite Bridal store.

Mr Farr had previously withdrawn a plan for the site. However, council officials have now granted permission for development to go-ahead after he resubmitted proposals in June.

The decision increases the trend towards town centre living. In the last month alone, plans have been approved for a  17-bedroom aparthotel above the Oliver Bonas store on James Street and for the former Kings Club strip club on Oxford Street to be converted into 12 flats.

Now the upper floors of numbers 21a, 21 and 22 West Park can be converted. Access will also be made from a retail unit at 21a, which is occupied by Boho Chic and could be forced to close as a result.

A planning statement sent to the council in support of Mr Farr’s application says future residents of the flats would be able to apply for monthly or annual parking pass for West Park multi-storey car parking.

It adds the scheme would “enhance the vitality of the Harrogate town centre” and bring vacant floors back into use “without any identified harm to the character of the host building and the neighbouring Harrogate Conservation Area”. 

It concludes:

“It is considered that the proposed scheme responds to the constraints of the site, planning policy constraints and its heritage context and should fall within the parameters of acceptable development.”

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Former child protection officer at Harrogate district private school jailed for sexual assault

A former Harrogate district school child protection officer has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of multiple charges of sexual assault against 20 victims.

Alexander Ralls, 47, of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, appeared at Bradford Crown Court for sentencing today after he was found guilty of 31 charges of sexual assault.

He was also convicted of 10 charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, two charges of assault by penetration and one charge of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Ralls, a former charity boss and former deputy head of boarding at fee-paying Queen Ethelburga’s School near Harrogate, was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard how, while working as a child protection officer and safeguarding lead, Ralls used his position of trust to exploit his victims, claiming to care for them and provide them with medical treatment while actually sexually assaulting them.

Speaking after sentencing today, investigating officer detective constable Suzanne Hall from the North Yorkshire Police Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team said:

“This was a complex and disturbing case where Ralls as a person in a position of trust, used his role to coerce and influence the young people he should have been caring for into a vulnerable position, which he then exploited for his own sexual gratification.

“The extent of his offending was staggering and the fact that he continued to use the same excuse of providing medical care to carry out his sickening actions, shows his utter arrogance towards and contempt of his victims. Not once has he taken any responsibility for his actions, pleading not guilty to all the charges, meaning his victims had to face a gruelling seven-week court process.

“I’d like to thank the victims for their enormous bravery in coming forward and giving their accounts. I know how difficult and traumatic that was for them. I hope the sentence handed to Ralls today helps them move on from such an upsetting period in their lives.

“I hope the sentence also gives other victims of non-recent abuse confidence to come forward and seek help and support. It doesn’t matter how long ago you may have experienced abuse, we understand the damaging effects it can have and that people can feel those effects throughout their life.

“If you choose to report the incident to police, we will listen and believe you and we will do everything we can to put those responsible in front of the courts.”

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Ofsted praises ‘welcoming and friendly’ Scotton school

Scotton Lingerfield Primary School, near Knaresborough, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The inspection took place in June this year and the findings were published in a report on Wednesday.

It maintains the school’s official ‘good’ rating from 2013.

When a school receives a ‘good’ rating, Ofsted visits about every four years to confirm the grading.

Government inspectors found the school to be welcoming and friendly, and said pupils are polite and courteous.

They added that pupils demonstrate the school’s three rules: be safe, be respectful and be responsible.

The report found:

“Older pupils play well with younger pupils at breaktimes and lunchtimes.

“This adds to a sense of community.

“Bullying is extremely rare. Pupils told inspectors that they did not think it took place.”

During the visit, pupils were enthusiastically rehearsing songs for the end-of-year production, inspectors said, adding these opportunities support the development of pupils’ talents and interests effectively.

They commented:

“Leaders have designed and implemented a curriculum to meet the needs of pupils at the school.

“Children in reception begin to learn phonics from the start of the academic year. There are plentiful opportunities for children to apply their phonic knowledge within the classroom and outside area.

“Adults effectively model how to read with expression and interest to bring stories to life.”

Leaders were also praised for their approach to pupils with special educational needs. Tasks are suitably adapted to enable them to access the curriculum and adults know when it is necessary to explain something in a simpler way, the report added.

It continued:

“Pupils are proud of their school.

“Older pupils are positive role models to younger pupils.”

“Requires further refinement”

Ofsted did note, however, some of the curriculum requires further refinement.

The report added:

“In some subjects, leaders have not clearly defined the knowledge that pupils should learn as they progress through the school.

“Some pupils do not develop the depth of knowledge that they could in some subjects.

“Leaders should further develop the curriculum to support pupils to build their knowledge over time so that they are able to make connections within subjects and across the curriculum.”

Headteacher “incredibly proud” of report

 In response to the report, headteacher Debbie Calvert said:

“We are incredibly proud of the Ofsted report. The inspection was thorough and rigorous and offered a valuable opportunity to engage in professional conversations around all aspects of school life. All staff work tirelessly to ensure that pupils are happy, safe and able to achieve to their full potential. We are delighted that these efforts have been recognised across all areas of school.

“We couldn’t have achieved this outcome without a huge team effort. We are blessed with hardworking staff, supportive families, knowledgeable governors and children who have excellent attitudes to their learning.”

Chair of governors, Rob Manton, added:

“The passion that the staff put in, day in, day out is immeasurable.

“They truly make the school a special place for our children to learn.”

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Inquests open into fatal A61 crash at South Stainley

Inquests into the deaths of two of the three people killed in a crash on the A61 at South Stainley opened today.

Daria Bartienieva, 35, and her son Ihor Bartienieva, 6, died after a three-vehicle collision that involved a double decker bus on Ripon Road on September 3.

Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, was also killed as a result of the collision.

All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon.

Jon Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, opened the inquests into Daria and Ihor at a hearing in Northallerton this morning.

Mr Heath said both were killed as a result of a road traffic collision. The provisional cause of death was given as “multiple injuries” due to blunt force trauma.

The hearing was adjourned for a full inquest at a later date.

Holy Trinity School paid tribute to former pupil Ihor after the collision.

A fundraiser set up for 15-year-old Liza Bartienieva, who was orphaned following the incident, raised £48,000.

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Knaresborough hosts main running race of year

More than 200 runners took part in the Knaresborough Crag Rat Run yesterday.

The five-mile race around the town is the primary event organised each year by running club Knaresborough Striders.

Harrogate Harriers provided the top female athlete, Davina Ellis, who finished the mixed terrain course in 32 mins 11 seconds.

The men’s race was won by Mark Holden, of Dewsbury Road Runners, who blitzed around in 28 mins 27 seconds.

Gareth Somerville, of Harrogate Harriers, was the second male and Jack Brierley, of Nidd Valley Road Runners, was third.

The race, organised annually by Knaresborough Striders since 2016, started and finished at Knaresborough Cricket Club. A total of 217 runners took part.

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Female champion Davina Ellis

 

Men’s winner Mark Houlden

Roadworks to hit main road in Harrogate over half-term break

One of Harrogate’s busiest arterial roads is to be dug up for two weeks, including over the half-term holiday.

A stretch of Skipton Road between King Edward’s Drive and the railway line will undergo routine repair and maintenance works carried out by Northern Gas Networks between Monday, October 23 and Friday, November 3.

The schools’ half-term break covers the week commencing Monday, October 30.

The news comes hot on the heels of lengthy and disruptive roadworks further west along Skipton Road, which only ended on September 6.

Scott Kitchingman, operations manager at NGN, said:

“We are carrying out some work in the Skipton Road area of Harrogate during the October school half-term break; the dates have been planned in to try to minimise disruption to the public.

“We are still determining the precise area of where we will be working, however, information will be communicated once plans are finalised.

“We apologise in advance for any disruption caused by these works, but it is essential that we work proactively in areas identified as having pipes that could be at risk.”

NGN is the company responsible for piping gas around most of the north of England and is currently carrying out a huge programme to replace old metal pipes with new plastic ones.

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Train strikes to hit Harrogate and Knaresborough this week

More train strikes are set to disrupt services in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week.

Rail company Northern has said no services will operate on Saturday due to industrial action by train drivers’ union Aslef.

It added in a statement:

“Additional disruption is expected on Friday, September 29 and from Monday 2 to Friday 6 October due to action short of strike called by Aslef and customers are advised to check before they travel as there may be some short notice cancellations to services running on these days.

“There will also be no services on Wednesday, October 4 – when an additional strike has been called by the union.”

Northern’s guide to forthcoming services.

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Mick Whelan, Aslef general secretary, said:

‘While we regret having to take this action – we don’t want to lose a day’s pay, or disrupt passengers, as they try to travel by train — the government, and the employers have forced us into this position.

“Our members have not, now, had a pay rise for four years – since 2019 – and that’s not right when prices have soared in that time.”

Business Breakfast: Swinton Estate restaurant to undergo £500,000 refurbishment

A restaurant at Swinton Park Hotel is set to undergo a £500,000 refurbishment.

Samuel’s Restaurant, which is based at the Swinton Estate in Masham, will revamp its kitchen by January 2024.

The refurbishment will see it update the entire kitchen, equipment and workflows to reduce its carbon footprint and create a new state-of-the-art facility.

Head chef, Ruth Hansom, has also extended her six-month residency until the end of the year to help oversee the refurbishment.

Andrew Mackay, general manager at the restaurant, said:

“This is a very exciting time for the team at Samuel’s Restaurant, where they will have access to a brand new kitchen in which to prepare the finest Yorkshire food.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ruth for staying on to help us see this project through, and we’re confident that our ambitious plans will continue to attract and retain the best established and up-and-coming chefs to the estate.”

Grantley Hall launches motorsport concierge service

Grantley Hall near Ripon has launched a new motorsport concierge service.

Called Grantley Motorsport, the service will offer guests bespoke packages for track days, in-house professional simulator hire, automotive events and VIP experiences to top-tier motorsport events.

The scheme has been launched in partnership with Hype Motorsport, which will provide access to professional instructors as part of the service.

Richard Sykes, managing director of Grantley Hall, said: 

“At Grantley Hall, we continually strive to provide our guests with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences. 

“Grantley Motorsport is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. From our on-site professional racing simulator suite, right through to VIP motorsport events, we aim to deliver an unparalleled journey into the world of motorsport, ensuring our guests create cherished memories to last a lifetime.”