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08
Jun 2022
Council rejects Knaresborough scuba diving facility plan
Harrogate Borough Council has rejected plans for a bespoke scuba diving training pool in Knaresborough.
Tim Yarrow, owner of Harrogate-based Diveshack UK, lodged the plan to build the facility at Thistle Hill in the town.
Mr Yarrow said the proposal offered the district a chance to get a “truly unique” facility.
The plan would have seen the pool built at land at Thistle Hill and see the site changed from agricultural land to a deep water diving centre.
However, the borough council refused the proposal on the grounds that the plan would “result in harm to the visual and spatial openness of the green belt”.
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Council officials added that the site was outside the development limit of any village or settlement.
In a decision notice, the council said:
Mr Yarrow, who has been a a scuba instructor around the world for 30 years, told the Stray Ferret previously that the move would help to draw people in from the area and improve access to the sport.
He added that his club, which has been open since 2018, currently trains young and upcoming divers. He said the facility would help to expand this.
Mr Yarrow said:
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