Stray Views: Knox Lane housing scheme ‘lacks detail’

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.

‘Inconceivable’ Knox Lane housing scheme can go ahead

Regarding the proposed full planning application for 53 residential dwellings at Knox Lane, it is inconceivable that Harrogate Borough Council are prepared to push forward with this without addressing any of the 313 objections that have been submitted.

I would further add that there are no supporting comments added. Fulcrum to this is the historical use of the proposed site.

Damian Bowen, Harrogate

Knox Lane housing scheme ‘lacks detail’

In reference to the proposed 52 homes on Knox Lane in Harrogate.

I am writing to express my dismay at the decision by the Harrogate Borough Council’s planning officer to recommend the application be deferred for approval at the next planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

How can the Harrogate Borough Council planning committee have any confidence in the quality of this application given the current documentation submitted contradicts itself and contains a total lack of required detailed information regarding retaining walls, limited traffic, ecology and contaminated ground surveys and no electric charging point locations?

Given this lack of assessment of public and professional comments, surely the planning department could be leaving themselves open to a judicial review?

Stephen Readman, Harrogate

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Voters ‘have to be realistic’

We have to be realistic. Anyone who is appalled at Liz Truss’s approach to sorting out the economy. i.e giving vast amounts to the rich in the hope that it will trickle down to the poor, has to realise that the only way to get the Tories out and restore fairness and our public services is to vote for candidates most likely to defeat them. 

In Harrogate, the only way is to vote for the Lib Dems. If the other parties don’t realise it’s in their interests to stand down, then we the electorate have to take the only way open to us to get rid of the Tories, which in Harrogate means voting for the Lib Dems.

Barbara Penny, Harrogate

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It’s Libraries Week – here’s what’s happening in the Harrogate district

A host of activities are set to take place in Harrogate district libraries to encourage lifelong learning.

Libraries Week will take place from October 3 until October 9 to highlight a wide range of services, resources and activities taking place in libraries.

Harrogate, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough and Ripon libraries will stage events next week.

They include:

Cllr Greg White, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for libraries, said: 

“Libraries Week is an opportunity to showcase all of the fantastic activities the service has to offer. This year, it’s all about celebrating the role that libraries play in supporting life-long learning.

“Throughout the week a number of libraries will host an activities fair to encourage residents to find out more about local groups and events. There is so much to choose from so I would urge everyone to get involved.”

For more information on the events taking place, visit the North Yorkshire County Council website here.

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North Yorkshire devolution deal ‘third lowest’ in north, says IPPR North

North Yorkshire County Council has defended a £540 million devolution deal after a report found it to be the third lowest agreed across northern England.

A report by the think tank, IPPR North, analysed the deal in comparison with similar agreements struck in areas such as West Yorkshire and the Tees Valley.

The organisation looked at the proposed ‘gainshare’, which is the money provided by the government annually for the investment fund, and how it compared with other northern regions.

The report found that out of seven devolution agreements reached in the north of England, the North Yorkshire deal offered the third lowest investment funding per person.

The £540 million investment, which is spread out at £18 million per year over 30 years, came below the likes of South Yorkshire (£900m) and North of Tyne (£600m) in the analysis.

The analysis from IPPR North, which shows devolution investment funding over 30 years per person.

The analysis from IPPR North, which shows devolution investment funding per person. 

The report comes after county council leaders agreed the long-awaited deal with ministers to devolve more powers, including an elected mayor, to North Yorkshire and York, in August.

Rosie Lockwood and Marcus Johns, of the IPPR, carried out the research into the deal which is set to go out for consultation this year.

Ms Lockwood said the fund would not “come close” to covering losses in local government cuts. However, she added that any funding was a step forward.

She said:

“Clearly this, or any investment fund alone, does not come close to the losses communities across the North have experienced because of austerity. And when shown alongside the north’s other initial devolution deals, as we have compared below, the fund comes fifth of the seven initial deals for size of investment fund per person.

“Nevertheless, the investment fund is a step in the right direction. It is better that decisions about how to spend this money are taken locally, in line with local priorities.”

Northern Powerhouse analysis

County council leaders defended the deal and pointed out that it was “only the beginning” of devolution in the county.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of the authority, said the agreement would give local officials “a seat at the table” to be able to negotiate further funding and powers from ministers.

Responding to the IPPR North report, he said:

“One of the key elements of the deal is an investment totalling £540 million over a 30-year period, as it provides flexibility to target money to specific schemes on a far more local level. 

“While other devolution deals have secured larger figures of funding under their deals, this has to be placed in context, as this is simply just the start. 

“Any devolution deal is about getting a seat at the table to build close working relationships with the government and evolve the initial agreement to ensure even greater benefits can be brought. 

“As IPPR North acknowledges itself, this is not necessarily about where you begin, but where you’re going that counts – stating that a devolution deal is ‘just the beginning of a process that requires work, but has the potential to be transformative’.

“This means negotiating further deals in the future with the Government to bring even more decision-making powers and funding to York and North Yorkshire.”

Council officials also pointed to analysis by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, a partnership group between civic leaders and businesses in the north of England.

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The research found that the £540 million investment would provide £23.31 per head of population per year across North Yorkshire and York — the second highest in the north.

It added that the only agreement which was higher was in North of Tyne, which amounted to £24.69 per person.

By comparison, the Liverpool City Region’s devolution deal provided £19.68 per head of population through the annual gainshare, while the figure is £10.88 in Greater Manchester.

Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: 

“The £540 million which York and North Yorkshire has secured should go a long way towards transforming public services and driving up productivity in the region.

“Whether this means improving education and skills, providing better transport links, tackling climate change or ensuring better quality jobs and career opportunities, the funding under the investment fund is a vital resource for any devolution deal.

“Most importantly, the deal means the region gets a directly-elected mayor who will remain accountable to their voters.

“The very nature of devolution is about bespoke, local solutions which means that it’s normal to see some variation in what each authority has received in terms of funding.

“It’s also important to remember that the investment fund is just one element of any deal. Greater Manchester, for example, also has a housing investment fund.”

Crime commissioner pledges to tackle ‘woefully low’ rape prosecution rates

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe has pledged to tackle the county’s “woefully low” prosecution rate for rape.

According to government figures, just nine rape allegations reached court in North Yorkshire between April 2021 and March 2022.

Ms Metcalfe told a meeting this week she planned to visit the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit in Leeds to learn how North Yorkshire could improve its prosecution rate.

The unit consists of lawyers who are specially trained in dealing with allegations of rape, serious sexual offences and child abuse.

Ms Metcalfe, a Conservative who was elected commissioner last year, was responding to a question from Victoria Oldham, the Conservative councillor for Washburn (pictured below), at this week’s Harrogate Borough Council overview and scrutiny committee. Cllr Oldham asked:

“Are you satisfied with the percentages taken through to prosecution?”

Victoria Oldham

Ms Metcalfe replied:

“No I am not. It is woefully low and it needs to get a lot better.”

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Ms Metcalfe said she frequently raised concerns with the Crown Prosecution Service and that violence against women and girls was one of her key priorities.

Cllr Oldham asked whether underfunding was the cause of the problem.

‘Myriad of factors’

Tom Thorp, interim assistant chief executive at the commissioner’s office, replied there were a “myriad of factors involved”, such as collecting evidence, victims not wanting to participate and being unable to locate suspects. Mr Thorp added:

“Then they have to meet evidential thresholds, which can be difficult and even if they get through to prosecution there is no guarantee they will convict.

“Our conviction rate when we get to prosecution is really good – about 80%. That’s one of the highest in the country. Once we get through we know the quality of our cases is good for those that we do take to prosecution so yes, it is about getting more prosecutions.”

Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat leader in Harrogate and Knaresborough, said she was “shocked to learn violence against women and girls is very high”.

Ms Metcalfe said she had launched a strategy to address violence against women and girls that identified gaps in provision and how to work in partnership better. She added:

“I would like more safer places and there will be investment in that going forward.”

Firefighters rescue trapped sheep from rising Oak Beck

A sheep stuck in brambles on a steep bank of Oak Beck was rescued by Harrogate firefighters yesterday.

Sandra Schiendorfer spotted the animal when she was walking her dog at Oak Beck Park yesterday morning.

She reported it to the land owner but noticed it was still stuck in the afternoon and the water was rising.:

Ms Schiendorfer said:

“When I went back with the dogs in the afternoon the poor thing was still there, but now the beck was rising, because of the heavy rain.

“I rang 101 who in turn contacted the fire brigade. They turned up very quickly with the animal rescue unit.

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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log says it was alerted to the incident, near Oak Beck retail park, at 3.20pm yesterday. It adds:

“Crews from Harrogate and Ripon responded to reports of a sheep stuck in wire by the horns, in distress.

“Crews used wading poles, water rescue equipment, an animal halter and a salvage sheet to release the sheep back into the field.”

The sheep back in the field afterwards.

Picket line at Harrogate station today as rail strikes resume

A picket line is operating outside Harrogate train station this morning as rail strikes resume.

The RMT union and Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) are striking today, Wednesday and next Saturday over pay and conditions.

Previous industrial action was cancelled because it coincided with the Queen’s mourning period.

The strikes have affected some people travelling to Harrogate for the three-day Green Party autumn conference, which started yesterday, as well as football fans that planned to catch the train for today’s Harrogate Town vs Bradford City derby at 1pm.

About 15 picketers turned up to support the action today.

Rail passengers have also been warned to expect disruption on Harrogate’s LNER services from today until October 9.

Major engineering works in the Newcastle area by Network Rail will affect many services on the LNER route during this period.

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Hot Seat: the Harrogate man with ambitious plans for Castle Howard

Harrogate man Rod Findlay takes a minute out of each day to take stock of where he is — working with one of the best views of one of Britain’s finest stately homes, Castle Howard.

Breathtaking as the estate is, with more than 200 listed buildings and monuments set over around 8,800 acres, there is much to do to ensure Castle Howard retains its prestigious reputation for generations to come.

The estate, 15 miles north of York, has been home to the Howard family for 300 years and is rich in history. The Great Fire of 1940 devastated the building decades ago and, more recently, covid has proved hugely disruptive.

Castle Howard’s worldwide reputation, enhanced by its many screen appearances in films such as Brideshead Revisited, meant it relied heavily on international visitors, mainly from China, so covid restrictions hit visitor numbers dramatically.

With every cloud comes a silver lining, though. Covid also made people want to seek out local places of beauty they had previously taken for granted, and the challenge now is to capitalise on that.

Mr Findlay started his career in law before moving into leadership roles in sports such as rugby league, golf and cycling. His current role as chief operating officer and company secretary at Castle Howard presents numerous challenges. He said:

Rod Findlay enjoys nothing more than a walk with his dogs.

“It’s really varied. You know, one day you are talking about Santa Claus and the next day you are talking about the long-term strategic vision for Castle Howard.

“That is interesting to me. We have a really ambitious plan to turn the house around. In the last few years we have done some work to look at the heritage deficit here.

“To look at Castle Howard, it’s a beautiful house but it needs investment.

“The mausoleum on the outskirts of the estate needs £18 million, the house needs £50 million, the gatehouse needs £15 million.

“It is a 300-year-old house so it needs continual investment. This is a long-term vision and requires a major change in our approach as we won’t get that money by putting up the price of scones.”

More than a house

Profit from the estate is invested in areas such as reports, conservation and restoration.

Castle Howard posted a loss of £2.1 million in its 2020 financial year, but recorded a profit the following year of £5.7 million.

A major reason for that quick turnaround was £7.5 million in upwards property revaluation on Castle Howard’s investment property portfolio, which is made up of the estate, residential accommodation and the holiday park.

So if an opportunity arose to expand its property portfolio in areas identified for development in the Ryedale Local Plan, Castle Howard would be keen to get involved.

The estate has bid to develop four areas of its 8,800 acres, which is made up largely of farmland and woodland.

There is, Mr Findlay says, a severe need for housing in the area surrounding the estate:

“We have a waiting list to get into our properties of 180 people. So it’s clear there are a lot of people who want to live and work in the area but they can’t find those opportunities.

“So if we increase the housing stock there’s another benefit as we can invest that money back into the estate, which also benefits the local economy.

“The first job is to get these properties included in the local plan, as it is currently listed as farmland. Then we can start work with a developer to bring them to life.

“We are keen to keep some control over the look and feel of these properties while the developments need to be responsible and sustainable.”

Can Harrogate improve its events?

Mr Findlay, who is originally from Newcastle, moved to Harrogate in 2014.

He has always enjoyed living in the town but the open spaces of Valley Gardens, Crimple Valley and the Stray enhanced his appreciation during covid lockdowns.

Castle Howard is embracing new kinds of events.

Mr Findlay believes the town should embrace more larger events. He said:

“I do think those large events will drive people.

“We certainly have seen that at Castle Howard where, we have attracted visitors we perhaps otherwise wouldn’t get with events like Cafe Mambo, Duran Duran and the Chemical Brothers.

“This attracts a demographic we’re not necessarily seeing. Harrogate shouldn’t shy away from those events, even if the town had a mixed experience like with the UCI.

“People should remember the positive benefits of those large scale events and I feel we should be using our incredible public spaces to that end all year round, weather depending.”

What next for Castle Howard?

Building work began at Castle Howard in 1699 but it took more than 100 years to complete, spanning the lives of three earls.

The estate has seen a lot in that time. While Castle Howard works well as a visitor attraction with around 250,000 expected annually, it’s clear the leadership will not rest on its laurels.

Mr Findlay and his team work for the Howard family, specifically Nicholas Howard and Victoria Barnsley, who are heavily involved in the business and its direction. He said:

“The family wants to make sure this is a place welcoming visitors for many years to come. It’s that long term vision which is important, we are talking about developments we will never see.”

Christmas is coming to Castle Howard.

There are lots of reasons to visit Castle Howard this year with Stately Superstitions: Eerie Encounters at the Castle from October 21 to 31 and Into the Woods: A Fairytale Christmas from November 12 to January 2.

MPs Watch: ‘Wrong’ tax cuts and the death of the Queen

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.

September was a monumental month for the country. Queen Elizabeth II died after over 70 years on the throne, a new Prime Minister was appointed and proposed tax cuts by the Conservatives sent the value of the pound into a tailspin.

We asked our three Conservative MPs, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but, as usual, we did not receive a response from any of them.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

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

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Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

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

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

Ouseburn councillor opens Green Party conference in Harrogate

The Green Party autumn conference was opened this afternoon by Harrogate man Arnold Warneken, North Yorkshire County Council councillor for Ouseburn.

Cllr Warneken was elected in May with 69% of the vote and he gave a passionate speech to delegates at Harrogate Convention Centre.

He recalled how he was first elected as a councillor 32 years ago to the then-Harrogate District Council.

In those days, he was the only Green Party councillor in the north of England.

After his recent return to local politics, he said the five Greens elected to the county council in May were “already starting to make a difference”. He accused the Tory-led council of “procrastinating” on the climate emergency.

Cllr Warneken also had some sharp words for Harrogate Spring Water and its plan to fell trees in Rotary Wood to expand its bottling plant.

He said:

“At the pump rooms, people came from all over the country to have our foul-tasting and smelly water heal them. It was dispensed in a ladle by Betty Lupton.

“However, 100 years later Betty Lupton has been replaced by Danone. Her ladle has been replaced by millions of plastic bottles produced by Harrogate Spring Water and Danone before being sent all over the world. Shame on them.”

He was followed by a speech from Green Party co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay.

The three-day conference ends on Sunday.

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The Stray Ferret spoke to Cllr Warneken beforehand where he said he was “proud and honoured” to open the event.

Cllr Warneken added:

“We are at a turning point in Green politics. In 2018, we had 150 councillors, now in 2022 we have over 500. We are hoping we can get somebody to help Caroline Lucas MP in Parliament.

“We have Liberal Democrat councillor Pat Marsh speaking here on Sunday. That’s the way politics has to move forward. We’re hoping for a hung parliament so we can introduce PR. The future’s bright, the future’s green.”

Harrogate hospital trust plans home care service to tackle bed blocking

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has revealed plans to become the second in the country to launch its own home care service in a bid to free up hospital beds.

Chief executive Jonathan Coulter said the problem of patients staying in hospital longer than they should because of a lack of private care services was the “biggest issue” that the trust currently faces.

Up to 90 patients were medically fit but could not leave Harrogate District Hospital in August, compared to around 20 before the covid pandemic.

The trust now wants to follow in the footsteps of the NHS in Northumbria and start providing care for patients in their own homes.

Russell Nightingale, chief operating officer at the trust, told a board meeting on Wednesday the move was a “huge change and big decision” for the trust, but one it had to take because the problem of bed blocking was “only going to get worse”.

He said: 

“If you are in a hospital bed and fit to leave but can’t, it is probably one of the worst places to be.

“In some instances, we have seen a degradation of people’s health in hospital beds when they do not need to be there, despite the great clinical service they receive.

“People want to be in their own homes as this is where they live and are comfortable.”

Mr Nightingale also said he was concerned the current situation would only get worse despite a recent government pledge of £500 million to help people get out of hospitals, which he described as a “drop in the ocean”.

Bed blocking has repeatedly been raised as a concern by hospital bosses who have warned of knock-on impacts on A&E waiting times.

This comes as Harrogate District Hospital has had an exceptionally busy summer and pressure on services is only likely to grow over winter as it tries to tackle long waiting lists and staffing shortages.

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The trust’s home care service will initially run as a six-month trial and cost around £146,000 to provide care for 36 patients.

If the trial is a success, it is estimated around 15 patients who otherwise would be stuck in hospital could be moved back into their own homes each day.

The trust – which already provides home care for some children – has been in dialogue with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which this year became the first to launch such a scheme.

Some concerns have been raised over the high turnover of staff, as well the impact on the private care sector.

However, Wednesday’s meeting heard that care packages under the Harrogate plans would initially be offered to private care firms for 24 hours before the trust steps in.

More details of the scheme are set to be revealed in the coming weeks.