The question of how healthcare provision will be expanded and funded to accommodate the proposed 1,300-home Ripon Barracks development has been raised by the city’s MP, Julian Smith.
Mr Smith approached the NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group after a constituent contacted him with concerns about the potential impact of the proposed development on healthcare services.
Besides 1,300 homes, the development also includes plans for shops and businesses, parkland, a new primary school and sports facilities.
A letter of response from Amanda Bloor, accountable officer for NHS NYCCG, has been published on Mr Smith’s website.
It says NYCCG has a process in place for monitoring new developments and accessing funds under the community infrastructure levy introduced by Harrogate Borough Council in July.
The levy is a charge paid by developers to local authorities to support the infrastructure costs of their projects.
Ms Bloor pointed out in her letter that the NYCCG is:
“Aware of the issues raised about access and demand for local medical services in Ripon and is in active discussion with GP practices and Harrogate & District Foundation Trust, which runs Ripon Hospital.”
She added: “We are developing a long-term plan to address improvements to health services in Ripon.”
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Many questions have been raised about the proposed barracks development, which is a partnership project between the public bodies Homes England and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
Known as Clotherholme, the scheme includes Claro and Deverell Barracks and Laver Banks.
During consultation, residents have asked about the impact it will have on the city’s infrastructure – from roads to schools.
Ripon City Council has claimed that the transport assessment was “flawed” because it was undertaken during a period when there was less traffic – something Homes England disputes.
The deadline for comments on the scheme is today. You can submit a comment on the Harrogate Borough Council planning website, using reference 20/02973/EIAM.
