Controversial Wetherby Road Starbucks would ‘change our lives’, say residents

A controversial plan for a drive-thru Starbucks on Wetherby Road would adversely affect lives, according to residents who live next to the site.

The proposals by Euro Garages would see the coffee shop built on the former 1st Dental surgery site.

Harrogate Borough Council has refused the plan three times and a government planning inspector has also turned down the application.

But the authority has now withdrawn its objection to the latest plans, leaving residents to fight an appeal by the developer themselves.

David Stephenson, who has lived on Coachman’s Court with his wife for six years, is among those fighting the proposal.

Mr Stephenson’s house is next door the proposed site and he would be able to see the serving hatch of the Starbucks from his lounge window.

The view of the proposed Starbucks site from Mr Stephenson's bedroom window.

The view of the proposed Starbucks site from Mr Stephenson’s bedroom window.

He hoped for a quiet retirement when he moved to Coachman’s Court but said the Starbucks would change that if given the go ahead.

Mr Stephenson said:

“I think it is going to change our lives.

“We live in a nice, quiet cul-de-sac and this is not what we wanted in our retirement.”

He added that residents do not object to the site needing redevelopment, but said a drive-thru coffee shop would only increase traffic at the Woodlands junction.

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The junction is the only air quality management area in Harrogate, which obliges the local authority to improve air quality.

Another resident, Joanne Richardson, said she had concerns about the noise, pollution and number of cars coming through the site.

Ms Richardson has lived directly behind the former 1st Dental site for five years and her bedroom window would look out onto the drive-thru.

The view of the site from Ms Richardson's bedroom window.

The view of the site from Ms Richardson’s bedroom window.

She said she was frustrated with the plan and expressed concern over the nitrogen oxide levels from cars to nearby properties.

Ms Richardson added that she “could not believe” that the council would no longer be defending its decision to refuse the plan.

In her consultation response for the appeal, Ms Richardson said:

“I am very frustrated to be in this position again, despite this proposal being rejected by Harrogate Borough Council again.

“This is not a case of Nimbyism. I am genuinely concerned on the impact of this proposal not just on my health and those residents surrounding the site, but also the impact on residents quality of life and wellbeing.”

Cllr Pat Marsh, a Liberal Democrat who represents the area on the council, said the development was another example of “big companies pushing for planning applications” to be put through.

The proposed layout of the Starbucks site on Wetherby Road as submitted to Harrogate Borough Council. Picture: Euro Garages.

The proposed layout of the Starbucks site on Wetherby Road as submitted to Harrogate Borough Council. Picture: Euro Garages.

Another appeal

Last week, the council announced it would not be defending its refusal of the proposal by Euro Garages.

The multi-million pound company, which also operates drive-thru facilities for KFC and Greggs, will be taking the council to appeal on June 15.

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John Worthington, the council’s executive officer for development management, said officers could not stand successfully at appeal because their previous recommendation would “undermine” their case and that losing also risked legal costs of over £50,000.

A council spokesman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that not contesting the appeal “hasn’t been an easy decision to make” but was “the best way forward in this instance”.

As a result, residents will appear at the hearing to defend the council’s refusal and have called for expert help ahead of the appeal to support their case.

The Stray Ferret approached Euro Garages for comment on the concerns, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Harrogate strip club in standoff with council over sex entertainment licence

The owners of Harrogate’s only strip club are in a legal standoff with the council over how dancers should be paid and whether they can drink alcohol.

The Kings Club had its sexual entertainment licence renewed at a private meeting of Harrogate council’s sub-licensing committee in September.

The licence covers topless pole dancing, topless stage striptease and full nudity lap dancing, and is separate to the venue’s alcohol licence.

But conditions that dancers are paid by bank transfer and do not drink alcohol were attached after councillors raised concerns over their safety.

This led to an appeal being lodged by the Oxford Street venue owners, who also applied for a new licence, which is set to be decided at another meeting of Harrogate Borough Council‘s licensing sub-committee on Wednesday.

With an appeal hearing at York Magistrates Court on May 28 looming, a report to Wednesday’s meeting said the venue has proposed new conditions “in an attempt to resolve the current appeal without the time and costs associated with the determination by the magistrates court”.

Councillors have been recommended to approve these conditions, which include a ban on dancers bringing alcohol onto the premises only and a “full audit trail/reconciliation account” for how they are paid.

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In September, councillors heard how officers inspected the venue in 2019 when it was found some panic alarms in dancing booths were not working correctly, although they were repaired the same day.

They also heard how the venue had been in “cahoots” with two former dancers over payments, although this was dismissed by legal representatives for the owners.

This is according to a report, which also said dancers are required to pay a ‘house fee’ of £25 per night and receive 70% of payments from customers.

There is also a reduction in fees for dancers if they are intoxicated whilst with a customer or refuse to pole dance, the report added.

Safety concerns for dancers

After reviewing the venue’s safety procedures, including risk assessments and CCTV, the report said councillors still had “concerns about the overall safety of the dancers” despite reassurances by the owners.

The report added councillors felt it was “necessary” to put extra conditions in place, also including no drugs allowed on the premises, a need for each dancer to be escorted to a safe mode of transport when they leave, a written record of all fines imposed on dancers and a code of conduct.

These conditions have all been carried forward by the venue owners in their new application, however, they have challenged the alcohol ban for dancers and need for payments to be done by bank transfer.

Kings Club was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.

All strip clubs have been closed since March 2020 and are due to reopen on 21 June when all social distancing measures are scheduled to end under the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Spring Flower Show returns as first large event in Harrogate

The Harrogate Spring Flower Show is returning for its 100th anniversary on Thursday. It’s one of the first large events going ahead in Harrogate post-covid.

This perennial event has made its way back into the Harrogate calendar after covid forced organisers to cancel the event last year.

It is also the first major gardening show to take place in 2021 but some changes have had to be made.

Capacity has been capped at 5,000 each day rather than the usual 60,000 guests. The show has also been adapted to suit an outdoor setting with stands and displays spaced out to allow for social distancing.

Classic show favourites like the garden, plant displays, daily demos and cook-alongs will still be going ahead.

Show Director Nick Smith said:

“After what has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone, we are delighted to be able to welcome visitors and exhibitors back to Harrogate to celebrate 100 years of horticultural excellence and help bring a little joy and colour into people’s lives again.

“Despite some fantastic progress over the last few months, we recognise that life is still far from ‘normal’ and so, inevitably, Spring Essentials will be different from the show we all know and love.”

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The event’s venue, the Great Yorkshire Showground, is currently being used as a covid vaccination centre, with many people from across the district visiting each day to receive the vaccine.

The shows are run by the North of England Horticultural Society, which says it has worked closely with the showground team and local authorities to ensure visitors can have a safe and enjoyable day out.

The event begins Thursday May 20 until Sunday May 23. Tickets can be booked here.

Harrogate outdoor diners eager to eat indoors next week

People who have braved the turbulent weather over the last month eating out in the Harrogate district are keen to head indoors next week.

Restaurants and pubs are able to throw open their doors from Monday under the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions.

While those we have spoken to have made the most of the outdoor dining experience, they have had to wrap up warm and dodge heavy rain at times.

Are you looking forward to eating and drinking indoors next week?

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning and welcome back to our updates every 15 minutes and a list of all the temporary traffic lights that could delay you today.

It’s Leah here today. If you see anything, and it is safe to do so, please give me a call on 01423 276197 or get in touch on social media.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, are keeping you updated as the district’s roads get busier.

That’s it from me today! Suzannah will be back with you tomorrow with updates every 15 minutes from 06:30am.

9am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to increase in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Town centres and there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

8.45am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to increase in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Town centres and there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

8.30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to increase in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Town centres and there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

8.15am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to increase in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Town centres and there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to increase in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Town centres and there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7:45am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to increase in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Town centres and there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Traffic Hotspots:

Traffic is building:

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is starting to increase in the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Town centres without any traffic hotspots to report. However there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7:15am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning without any traffic hotspots to report. However there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

7am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning without any traffic hotspots to report. However there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.45am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning without any traffic hotspots to report. However there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking clear so far this morning without any traffic hotspots to report. However there are plenty of temporary lights to watch out for.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

Trains

Buses

 

Late night petrol bomb attack on car in Harrogate

A petrol bomb was thrown through the window of a car on a drive in Harrogate last night.

Firefighters were called to the scene on Heather Way, Killinghall at about 10.40pm last night. Police, including specially trained crime scene investigators also attended.

Fortunately the bomb failed to detonate and smouldered away but still managed to destroy the driver’s seat.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service gave details of the attack in its overnight summary of activity. It said:

“A crew from Harrogate attended an incident where there was an attempt to set a car on fire on a driveway.

“The drivers window had been smashed and a plastic bottle containing petrol and a wick had been thrown in, this had smouldered away on the drivers seat but failed to set the whole car alight and then burnt itself out.

“The fire caused approximately 90% fire damage to the drivers seat. Crews used thermal imaging camera only. The police along with CSI also attended.

The Stray Ferret has approached North Yorkshire Police for further details of the incident.

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Simon the Big Issue vendor: After 18 years I’m still smiling

Big Issue North vendor Simon Wray is one of the most friendly, and familiar, faces to shoppers in Harrogate town centre.

“Not many people can stay in a job for 18 years and say they still enjoy it. I still have a smile on my face.”

Simon, who is 43, moved to Harrogate from his home city of Wakefield when he became homeless.

He has lived in a house in Knaresborough for many years while making a living selling the magazine for £3 per issue. He keeps half of all the money he makes, with the other half covering the costs of the magazine.

His current pitch is on Cambridge Street outside Boots and he said getting to know the “kind and loving” people of Harrogate was the best part of the job.

Simon received life-changing news five years ago when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease that affects the nervous system.

He said:

“The way I look at it, s*** happens. There’s no point sitting here maungy-looking like something has kicked me. Smile and be happy.”

During the covid lockdowns, Simon was classed as clinically extremely vulnerable so relied people making donations directly to Big Issue North, which then passed money on to him.

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Over the years, he said he’s become an expert lip reader so does not like people wearing masks as it makes it difficult to understand what is said to him. It hurts his feelings when he is ignored and he always appreciates a shake of the head or a “no, thank you”.

He added:

“Some people look at me and walk away.”

Cambridge Street can be a busy place with different street fundraisers, buskers and vendors vying for shoppers’ attention.

When the Stray Ferret met Simon, an opera singer was belting out a song further down the road.

Simon joked:

“Buskers are the bane of my life! I sometimes ask them to turn their speaker down, I got to the toilet and they’ve turned it back up!”

The micro-entrepreneur said he enjoys being his own boss and can work up to seven days a week. If he is not seen on his pitch after a couple of days, the Big Issue North office in Leeds will even get calls from the public asking if he is OK.

“I’ve made a lot of friends in Harrogate over the years, just don’t ask me to name them all!”

Silent vigil in Harrogate for victims of Israeli/Palestinian conflict

Around 30 protesters stood for a silent vigil at Harrogate War Memorial today with placards that said ‘Palestine needs our help’.

The protest was organised by Harrogate and District Green Party and the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases.

Organisers said the aim was to show they stood for peace and justice for Palestinians and campaign for an end to conflict.

The escalation of fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in recent days has brought worldwide attention.

Tensions are often high between Israel and Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. But as the deaths, on both sides, increase people in the Harrogate district are taking a stand.

Current reports have recorded at least 139 Palestinians, including 39 children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Monday. About 950 others have been wounded. Nine people in Israel have been killed.

One of the protesters, Darius Samadian, said:

“I think it’s so important to talk about what is happening in Palestine. We need to show support. I don’t think people properly know what is happening, these are just normal people getting hurt. We want to stand up for the oppressed and people without a voice.

“Peace is not one side or the other it’s both sides coming together. We need to work for one side coming together.

Palestine protest

Those who attended wanted to take a stand against the conflict in Israel.

The 30 people stood on the grassy verge at the front of the war memorial for around an hour today.

They stood in silence holding numerous placards calling for peace. People read poems they had written about the conflict and gave speeches about what they believe the next steps need to be.

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Shan Oakes, local green party co-ordinator, said:

“When something as dreadful as this is happening in the world, we need to do something about it. We can all do something, write to our MPs and come out here and show we care. There’s a saying ‘evil prevails when good people do nothing’ – people may feel like they can’t do anything by they can.

“Just generally giving solidarity with all the people in the Middle East in this struggle. There are things we can do.”

Lindis Percy, co-Founder of the Campaign for the Accountabity of American Bases, said:

“I think it’s really important that we actually speak out. There are a lot of people that feel desperately about this situation and don’t know what to do. It’s been going on for years but I think it’s very very serious now. It’s terrible some of the stories coming out and we just want peace.”

The crusade to save Harrogate’s high street

Being general manager of one of the most prestigious stores on the most prestigious shopping street in Harrogate, Nick Hubbert has clear views on how to revive the town centre.

“We need to play to our strengths – beauty, flowers. Not rush down the route to do many things, like pedestrianisation.

“Let’s get through covid first. It’s not just about cycle lanes and the area around the station.”

Mr Hubbert’s views are shaped by a lifetime in retail. Last year he swapped the world of fast fashion for premium products when he left a managerial role at Sir Philip Green’s Top Shop in Sheffield for Hoopers, the family-run designer department store on James Street.

Top Shop is one of many mighty brands to have fallen in Harrogate, along with the likes of Debenhams, Swarovski and Laura Ashley. Mr Hubbert, 50, who lives in Hampsthwaite, is acutely aware of how critical the months ahead are for not only for Hoopers but the whole of Harrogate after lockdowns, Brexit and the rise of internet shopping.

He has joined Harrogate Business Improvement District, which aims to increase footfall in the town centre, as part of his broader mission to save the high street.

He says there have been some good initiatives, such as the BID’s street clean-up, but has concerns about the recent scattergun of proposals from Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, which range from installing fake grass to promoting cycling and walking schemes that restrict vehicles to talk of pedestrianising streets and making traffic one-way. He says:

“The big focus at the moment has to be on the next couple of months. We need to accept the fact we have been through one of the biggest negative things in our lives. We need to think about back to basics.

“There’s been some great work done but there needs to be more synergy between the various groups.

“If we are going to do something, let’s focus on things that will make a big difference. Something that makes a statement.”

Parking on James Street

James Street, with its more upmarket retailers, is particularly sensitive to tinkering. Last year’s decision to install planters for social distancing purposes and prevent parking didn’t go down well with many traders. Mr Hubbert says:

“It was a big deal because it’s evident people used that parking to nip in and out. We put our point across but here we are without it.”

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He hopes policymakers listen to businesses before any new initiatives are introduced.

“I hope they take views on board and don’t just stream-roll things thorough because they have seven or eight million pounds and feel they have to spend it.

“That sum could be better spent on a park and ride scheme. Or we could make James Street electric car-only and have electric charge points. If we do something, let’s do something big.

“If you go down the pedestrianisation route, go for something premium so that people’s dwell time on James Street will increase but we have to have that guarantee it will be something spectacular.

“Don’t do fake grass. Don’t make it like Cambridge Street. That doesn’t look inspiring and attract footfall. There are no features. It’s just nothing.”

Last department store standing

Hoopers has felt its share of pain in the last year. Staff numbers have halved to about 35 and it has reduced trading to 30 hours a week for the time being.

It is the last department store standing in the district after Debenhams in Harrogate and Wrens in Ripon closed last year. You might think Mr Hubbert would be pleased to see rivals fold but he says:

“An empty shop in town isn’t good for anybody. We will pick up some of their sales but I’d rather see Debenhams in a strong position because it’s one of the oldest names on the high street.”

Some feel the department store concept has had its day but Mr Hubbert says the lockdown has rekindled Britain’s love affair with shops, particularly those selling premium brands.

“People have seen the high street deteriorate in the last 18 months and it’s shocked them. As much as they love the internet for convenience shopping they don’t want to see void space.

“Many regulars have come back and said ‘we are so pleased to see you back’. They like the fact that they can get that different fragrance here that is unique.

“They are definitely treating themselves to things such as luxury handbags and outfits for holidays.”

‘Biggest fight of our lives’

Harrogate has one of four Hoopers stores. Debra Angus, the managing director, visited recently. Mr Hubbert says:

“There was no doom or gloom conversation. It was all very positive. It’s given me a lot of confidence.”

But there’s no hiding the fact that these are unprecedented times. He says:

“Every retailer is having the biggest fight of their lives. For me, it’s about making the store become profitable and have longevity so we still have this great store in Harrogate.

“We are fighting to be here long-term. I’ve been in retail all my life and it’s become evident we can’t live without the high street. I’m more passionate than ever about shops staying open.

“That’s why I’m involved with the BID. I want to make a difference to not just Hoopers but also making the shopping experience better for people. I’m on a crusade to save the high street.”

‘Evil’ Harrogate carer jailed for defrauding disabled women out of £18,000

A carer from Harrogate has been jailed for three years after defrauding a disabled woman in her care of £18,000 and then going on a shopping spree.

Corina Rose Lyons, 54, tricked the victim, who uses a wheelchair, into handing over her credit card and money from an inheritance, claiming she needed to borrow the money for essential costs.

As part of a “convoluted tissue of lies” Lyons from Pannal Green, convinced the woman to hand over her credit card after telling her she had been offered a job as a code-writer for Sony and needed money for software, York Crown Court heard.

She then went on a £10,000 spending spree, said prosecutor Helen Towers.

Lyons was arrested following the six-year con and denied the allegations – even trying to pin the blame on the victim.

On the day of her trial though, she admitted three counts of fraud.

At the sentence hearing on Thursday, Ms Towers said the victim suffered from a condition which caused her chronic pain.

Lyons, who was working for a Harrogate care group, became one of her carers in 2004. In 2010, Lyons became her sole carer and was trusted by the victim.

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The court heard how Lyons’s deceit had a “devastating” effect on the woman’s life.

She’d been forced to sell her house but was left unable to buy a property in London near her relatives. She ended up having to buy a cheaper property in Scotland where she knew nobody.

Lyons took a total of £18,649 from the victim after spending £9,649 on the victim’s credit card and persuading her to give her two loans.

Lyons – who had previous convictions for 18 offences including fraud, theft from the person and obtaining property by deception.

In 2009 she had been sent to prison for defrauding another woman out of nearly £100,000, had been released from prison in 2010 and immediately set about targeting a new victim.

Mohammed Ayaz Qazi, for Lyons, said she “simply didn’t learn her lesson” from her previous fraud conviction.

Judge Sean Morris described Lyons as an “evil fraudster”. He said:

“You went to prison in 2009 for a near-identical offence, fleecing somebody who trusted you.

“You got your nails into the next victim, who was a woman who suffers from an awful affliction that makes her bed-bound mostly, and certainly wheelchair-bound.

“You knew she had come into an inheritance and you fabricated the most convoluted tissue of lies again and again and again, and that lady was trying to help you, and you were just spending (the money).

“The (victim)…doesn’t trust anybody anymore, especially carers. She should have been enjoying the twilight of her years with loved ones – you ripped that away. You are an evil fraudster.”