Harrogate district stately home to be converted into hotel

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to convert the Harrogate district stately home Denton Hall into a 28-bedroom hotel.

The Grade I listed building, which dates back to 1778, is on the border of the district, between Blubberhouses and Ilkley.

It was designed by Georgian architect John Carr, who also designed Harewood House.

Since the 1970s, it has been used by engineering firm NG Bailey Group as a company training centre as well as for corporate events and weddings.

But current owner Denton Park Holdings Ltd, which includes members of the Bailey family, warned at a public consultation event in Denton village last year that without the ability to raise more income, the buildings would risk falling into disrepair.

Flats and a care home were considered before the owner decided to move forward with plans for the hotel, which were approved by council officers last week.

It means the main Denton Hall building will be converted into 28 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, a games room and gym.

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A former stables and coach house will be converted into four suites.

Planning documents attached to the application said a key part of the new owner’s intention for Denton Hall is to open it up to the public for the first time.

It said:

“Also of particular public benefit is that changing the use to a hotel will allow the public access into Denton Hall for the first time so that everyone has the opportunity to appreciate the significance of the heritage assets.”

The buildings are part of a vast 2,500 acre estate that includes working farms, mature woodlands, lakes, moorlands, a deer park and grouse enclosures.

Review: Upstage Academy’s Grease is electrifying

Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe productions. She is now eager to explore the culture on offer in and around her home town.  You can contact Lauren on laurencrispwriter@gmail.com 

Grease was the word on Saturday night at Harrogate Theatre, as members of Ripon’s Upstage Academy threw on their Pink Ladies jackets, greased their hair, and jived hips and hands for a high-energy performance of this most nostalgic of musicals.

Upstage Academy School of Performance has been instructing children and young people in the performing-arts arena for 14 years. Based out of their studio in Ripon, the school provides youngsters with the chance to train, perform and prepare for competitions and examinations. Over the weekend, Upstage presented the culmination of months of hard work with their electrifying production of Grease.

Noticeably and delightfully age-inclusive, all members of the cast, from the very youngest to the 18-year-olds about to fly the nest, had an opportunity to shine. The more junior members sparkled with a couple of sharp dance numbers (complete with flips and splits), while the older performers, bubbling over with talent and commitment, impressed me with just how comfortable they were on stage, allowing them to truly showcase all of which they are capable – a great deal.

Alfie Davies was a dazzling Danny, oozing with the prerequisite posturing, charisma and cool of his character, and pulling off John Travolta’s trademark laugh to a T. He was a pleasure to watch: bound for the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, whose alumni include Olivia Colman and Sir Patrick Stewart, we should be keeping an eye out for Alfie on future screens and stages.

This was the final performance for Upstage’s eldest performers, before they spread their wings to head off to universities, drama schools and the rest of their lives. As the crowd laughed, whooped and cheered, I could sense how this performance, and the school, sat close to many a heart in the audience. I could imagine how hard these young people have worked over the years; how many lines have been practised over the dinner table; how much energy and anticipation must precede any performance. Youth theatre par excellence, these kids are proving themselves the professionals of the future.

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Cornish Bakery to open on Harrogate’s James Street

A Cornish Bakery is set to open on Harrogate’s prestigious James Street.

The eat-in or take-out bakery will be based in the former Paperchase unit that closed at the end of May.

Cornish Bakery , which has more than 50 shops in the UK, sells pasties, breakfast pastries, cakes and coffees. It also provides a mail order service.

It is one of six new bakeries planned this year by the firm, which in February announced pre-tax profits of £3.1 million in the financial year ending May 2022. Its nearest store is currently in York.

Agents acting on behalf of Cornish Bakery founder Stephen Grocutt have submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council to display new signs outside the building.

Paperchase closed in May.

Recruitment adverts for positions within the company in Harrogate have also appeared online.

The planning documents do not say when the store will open. However,

The shop will be close to the Cornish Pasty Bakery in the Victoria Shopping Centre as well as two town centre Greggs, which also sells pasties.

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Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 5

This article is the fifth of a series of six.

Voters across parts of the district will be heading to the polls on Thursday (July 20), when Selby and Ainsty holds a by-election triggered by the dramatic resignation last month of MP Nigel Adams. 

Most of the Selby and Ainsty constituency lies beyond our district’s borders – it stretches almost as far as Goole and Doncaster – but its northern end does encompass Huby, Follifoot, Spofforth and some of the villages in the Vale of York, such as Tockwith, Green Hammerton and Long Marston. 

There’s a broad field to choose from – there are 13 candidates – but who are they, and what do they believe? 

In the lead-up to the by-election, we’re spotlighting two or three each day, giving constituents the opportunity to read about the people who wish to represent them at Westminster – in their own words. 

So far, we’ve featured Andrew Gray (independent), Claire Holmes (Conservative), Mike Jordan (Yorkshire Party), Dave Kent (Reform UK), Keir Mather (Labour), Nick Palmer (independent), Guy Phoenix (Heritage Party), Sir Archibald Stanton (Official Monster Raving Loony Party), and Matt Walker (Liberal Democrats).

Continuing to take their surnames in alphabetical order, today’s candidates are Arnold Warneken of the Green Party, and John Waterston of the Social Democratic Party.

Tomorrow: Luke Wellock (Climate Party), and Tyler Callum Wilson-Kerr (independent).

Arnold Warneken, Green Party 

A progressive, left-wing environmentalist party that has been campaigning for environmental approach to legislation since it was founded in 1990. 

“I’ve lived and worked in the Ainsty area for nearly 40 years. Back in the 1990s I was branded ‘Harrogate council’s conscience’ by the then chief executive. I still have a reputation for getting things done, and I work hard for residents all year round, not just at election time. 

“I currently sit on Selby planning committee, Ainsty drainage board, and North Yorkshire Moors National Park Authority, so I have considerable experience of decision-making in local government. 

“I am already campaigning on 20’s Plenty to cut speed limits, and on river quality at North Yorkshire Council. 

“I am free to speak up in Westminster for this constituency, because I’m not told how to vote by Green Party bosses. 

“But being a candidate for a small party does not mean that I am a lone force. I lead a skilled team with wide expertise, and I could not be an effective MP without this team. 

“If you are usually a Labour vote, by voting Green you are telling Labour to put proportional representation in their manifesto, re-instate their green funding, and cancel new oil. 

“If you are usually a Conservative voter, by voting Green you are telling the Tories to allow onshore wind, fund the NHS, and stop dumping sewage. 

“The Green Party already has a well-respected MP, two members of the House of Lords, over 750 elected councillors, and four local parish/town councillors. 

“Greens have solutions which marry environmental and social justice, enabling lower energy bills AND saving the planet, by investment in renewables and home insulation. We believe in universal basic income, renationalising public utilities, a minimum wage of £15/hour, and ending NHS privatisation. 

“Drax must move from ‘burning stuff’ to become a genuinely renewable energy supplier, with long-term employment prospects. Drax’s current subsidy of £1.7m/day could power a resilient carbon-neutral future. 

“Farming payments need switching to nature-friendly systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encourage wildlife, and end factory farming. 

“Voting Labour or Conservative won’t change this government yet, but another Green MP will make a huge difference in Parliament, so please give me that opportunity.”

John Waterston, Social Democratic Party 

A Eurosceptic, socially conservative party that espouses centre-left economic policy and supports a social market economy. 

“I have lived here for 31 years and raised two children alongside my wife, Ruth, and we have both worked in the area all of that time.

“I believe the role of a constituency MP is exactly that – a representative for constituents and an influencer on their behalf. 

“Crime and Justice: I want to help address the inefficiencies in local policing who deal with public nuisance and anti-social behaviour. I live in the centre of Selby and witness how it strangles the activity and economic success of the town.

“Youth: There is very little to interest, stimulate or engage them. I grew up in a community that had similar challenges and have a range of ideas that could meet this challenge, which directly links with the public nuisance concerns.

“Transport: The bus services post-lockdown have essentially collapsed, from a position that was already inadequate.

“Communities are left with one or two routes per week, restricting movement to daytime hours. It restricts the economy, and crucially, employment opportunities are lost, because without a car, it is impossible to get to work for most shifts. I want to address this urgently.

“Failure to support our economy: There has been no effort and no imagination in how to stimulate a new economy for the 21st century. Tourism could be a key asset. Making connections in Asia and elsewhere, if coordinated with more quality hotel accommodation, would pay great dividends. 

“We are a hub for the boating community and that needs to be supported and encouraged. We are geographically blessed by way of transport links to Manchester, Edinburgh and London, all within two hours. The A1(M) is 10 minutes away, providing access to the M62 and the M18. We are the gateway to the North Yorkshire coast. It is a tremendous place to set up a business or set up a home, as I discovered 31 years ago, and the people here deserve better support than they are getting.

“This is why the people of Selby and Ainsty should vote for me.”

 

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‘Human error’ blamed for raw chicken served at Harrogate school

A school in Harrogate which served raw chicken to children has said “human error” was responsible.

North Yorkshire Council‘s environmental health officers visited St John Fisher Catholic High School after parents alerted them to the problem.

One parent, who contacted the Stray Ferret with photographs of the raw meat but asked not to be identified, said:

“They served raw, bleeding chicken. There have been pictures posted on social media of blood actually coming out as it’s been cut into.

“The parents have complained to school… They admitted to a full tray being served by mistake and it’s being investigated.”

The parent said she had raised concerns about the school’s catering over several months, after finding the quality of food on offer had fallen.

She said there was often not enough food for all the children to have a hot meal, and sometimes there were no vegetarian options available.

However, a spokesperson for St John Fisher said the problem with the raw chicken was down to “human error” and inspectors had been happy with the catering provision.

They said:

“The human error which was the cause of the undercooked chicken being served was promptly addressed resulting in no students or staff consuming the food.

“The environmental agency were satisfied with the explanation of the circumstances surrounding the error and the actions which were immediately implemented to ensure this situation does not occur again.”

Responding to the parent’s comments about the food on offer, the spokesperson said:

“With 1,500 students on site and a modest menu, it is inevitable that, on some occasions, students’ first choice of hot meal, including vegetarian options, will have run out.”

St John Fisher

The incident happened in June, and North Yorkshire Council has now responded to a request for details from the Stray Ferret.

Its corporate director and monitoring officer, Callum McKeon, said:

“We can confirm a batch of chicken was under-cooked in what was regarded as an isolated incident.

“The school immediately fully assisted our officers who reviewed all food safety practices, documentation and checked temperature probes on site.

“Because we take food safety very seriously, incidents like these are few and far between, and no child was poorly as a result.

“We are satisfied with the way the school’s catering team responded to the matter and how they currently prepare food.”

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Local by-election candidates accuse BBC of bias

The three Independent candidates in this week’s Selby and Ainsty by-election have accused the BBC of bias.

Harrogate-based Andrew Gray, Tyler Wilson-Kerr and Nick Palmer issued a joint statement last night claiming they had been marginalised by the broadcaster.

The statement said:

“Absence of the Independent candidates from BBC coverage gives the electorate the impression that they are not able to win; that they are not working hard.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. The mood of the constituency is one of change. Most people we speak to do not align with any political party.”

Opinion polls suggest the by-election is a two-way fight between the Conservatives and Labour.

Betting company OddsChecker has Labour 1/7 to win, with the Conservatives at 11-2 and the Liberal Democrats at 100-1.

Conservative Nigel Adams, who won the seat in 2019 with a 20,137 majority in 2019, triggered the by-election when he resigned last month. It is one of three by-elections being contested on Thursday.

If Labour wins, it will be the biggest ever overturn of a Conservative majority. The party is expected to send several front bench heavyweights to the constituency this week as part of a final push.

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Thirteen candidates are standing in Thursday’s ballot.

The joint statement highlight how Independents came third at last year’s  local elections in Selby and adds:

“With so many candidates, the likely margin of victory is likely to be small. The State Broadcaster’s position could sway this election.

“Tyler, Nick and Andrew all bring valuable experience to this election. The habit of mainstream media to treat elections as a largely binary choice is both insulting to Yorkshire voters and damaging to democracy.”

Developer resubmits Markington homes plan

A housing developer has resubmitted plans for new homes in Markington.

KCS Development Ltd , which is based in Leeds, has tabled the plan for High Mill Farm on High Street in the village.

The proposal would see 13 new homes built on the site and include a range of two to four bedroom houses.

The move comes as the developer withdrew a plan for 21 properties on the land back in February.

At the time, some residents wrote to Harrogate Borough Council, which was abolished in April, to raise concern over the impact of the development on the landscape and infrastructure.

In new documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the developer says the application was withdrawn to consider “concerns raised by consultees and the planning officer”.

The planned site on High Mill Farm.

The planned site on High Mill Farm.

It added that the new development, which would consist of eight market houses and five affordable homes, would help to “provide new homes n a sustainable location”.

The developer said:

“The provision of housing in this location will assist in providing local construction jobs during the build phase, whilst also generating demand for local building materials and associated products from local suppliers. 

“The proposed development would therefore help to directly stimulate and support the local economy in addition to providing new homes in a sustainable location.”

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

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing developer appoints new operations director

There’s not long to go until the Stray Ferret Business Club’s breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am. 

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

A Harrogate-based housing developer has appointed a new operations director.

Casa by Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, has hired Sarah Nelson to the position at the company.

Ms Nelson will be tasked with overseeing the strategic direction and management of the operations teams, as well as agreeing and implementing the firm’s vision to achieve long-term growth.

On her appointment, she said: 

“This felt like a very natural move for me. The Casa brand, mission, and values of putting the customer at the heart of everything are aligned to my own personal values, so I feel a very close affinity with Moda Living’s proposition. 

Straight away I knew I could both passionately commit and add a huge amount of value to the business.”

Stephen Rogers, Associate Director at Casa by Moda, added: 

“Sarah is a fantastic addition to the growing Casa team at this crucial, exciting moment for the business.

“With her wealth of experience in the living sector, we’re confident that she will play a pivotal role in the growth of Casa as we look to open our first neighbourhood this year and work towards our goal of securing 5,000 new family homes by 2025.”

 

Harrogate Town announce new Kop stand sponsor

Harrogate Town has announced a new sponsor for the Kop stand at the EnviroVent Stadium.

The club has agreed a sponsorship deal with builders’ merchants GH Brooks, which is based on Claro Road, for the forthcoming season.

GH Brooks, which has been unveiled as new sponsors of the Kop stand at Harrogate Town.

GH Brooks, which has been unveiled as new sponsors of the Kop stand at Harrogate Town.

Jo Towler, commercial director of Harrogate Town, said:

”We are delighted to welcome GH Brooks as the official sponsor of the Kop. The Kop is the heartbeat of our stadium, and the passionate support from our fans creates an incredible atmosphere on matchdays. 

“We deeply appreciate GH Brooks’ commitment to our club.”

Andy Broadwith, director of GH Brooks, said:

“Having been involved with HTAFC for many years, we are proud to become the official sponsor of the Kop.

“As a local builders merchants, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance our community and are excited to contribute to Harrogate Town’s journey and be a part of their continued success.”

Ripon knitters make teddies to help children joining first year of school

A Ripon knitting group has given hand-made teddies to children entering reception this September.

The teddies were given to children joining Highfield Prep School to help ease the transition to primary school.

The teddies, which were knitted in the colours of the Harrogate school’s uniform, were made by a team from the Ripon Community Poppy Project in June.

For many children, major changes to their routines and environments, such as moving to primary school, can be very stressful. They are also particularly prone to separation anxiety at this stage.

Extra reassurance is often needed to help ease these distressing emotions, especially for socially anxious and neurodivergent children.

Head of Early Years & Foundation Stage at the school, Kathryn Wilson, came up with the idea to hand out teddies to comfort new pupils and said:

“We wanted to give the children something to take home over the Summer to encourage them to talk about joining Reception with their parents.

“They can also take the teddies on adventures over the Summer and then come and tell us all about them in September.

Hazel Barker, a friend of Ms Wilson and one of the knitting circle’s leaders, said the group was “delighted” to help out

She commented:

“We get involved with all sorts of community projects. Because I have known Kathryn such a long time, it felt like a special request we could accommodate.”

Ms Wilson added:

“We also hope that it will be a comfort for the children to bring their teddies in with them in September on their first day at ‘big school’.”

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Stray Views: Unelected council officers should not be making planning decisions

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Your piece today (councillors raise concerns about the role of planning committees) highlighted that fact that planning officers are now making most of the decisions on applications.

This is just one example of many of the way in which our elected councillors are being side-lined and it is so wrong. As officers are unelected they are barely accountable for the decisions they make and in fact they are unreachable and almost immune from the views of us, the residents and tax payers.

We vote for our representatives, we hold them to account at the ballot box, and it is they who should be making these decisions.

Tom Paul, Pannal 

A more flexible approach to 20mph limit

I agree all schools should have a 20mph speed limit but only in the hours where danger may be present. In Scotland there are flashing road signs for the relevant periods during the day and school term times. For the rest of the day and school holidays it reverts to 30mph.

In addition children should be taught more road sense. In Ripon we have a situation where at the end of the school day staff have to stand outside the school gates and supervise 11+ pupils leaving school!

Sandra Theobald, Ripon

EV car spaces should be for EV cars only

I agree that 10 chargers is a bit much for Chapel Street at the moment but it’s wrong to suggest its OK for non-evs to park there if they are empty.

You could say the same for disabled parking bays but that’s obviously wrong. It would be better to have chargers at the long stay carpark off York Road.

Ralph Armsby, Knaresborough

Big thank you for 10k Race for Life

Please thank everyone on duty at the Harrogate Stray 9/7/2023.
Unfortunately I signed up for the 10k walking but my asthma got the better of me and wasn’t able to finish. The medics were called to me at the 7k mark to whom I thank.
To hold an event like this successfully and safe depends on volunteers
Many thanks to the Marshal who walked with me as I was the last of 10k walkers.

Margaret Beckingham, Harrogate

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