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19
Nov
MP urges council to act over alleged planning breaches at Harrogate Tesco
Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP has urged North Yorkshire Council to act over claims of repeated planning breaches at the town’s new Tesco site.
Liberal Democrat Tom Gordon said residents were still reporting multiple violations by Tesco’s contractors, KPS, at the site on Skipton Road.
These included work starting before 8am on weekdays, continuing long past permitted hours, and operating throughout the weekend, with noise levels described as intolerable for a residential area.
Mr Gordon also accused the council of failing to enforce planning conditions at the site.
He said:
Tesco’s contractors clearly fear missing deadlines far more than any repercussions from the council, which is hardly surprising given the council has failed to use its enforcement powers.
Meanwhile, residents are paying the price, forced to endure constant noise and disruption at all hours with no support or protection.
Overall, the council’s handling of this site has been a complete failure, neglecting its responsibility to the community and leaving residents to manage rogue operators entirely on their own.
Mr Gordon said he had written to the council urging them to act on the alleged violations. He shared the letter on his social media channels.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said:
We have received a letter from the local MP. We will investigate the issues raised, take action where appropriate and respond in full as soon as possible.
'Tom loves jumping on a bandwagon'
Councillor Nathan Hull, a Conservative who represents Washburn and Birstwith on North Yorkshire Council, said in response to Mr Gordon's letter on Facebook:
Just let them get the work finished ASAP so that the traffic chaos can come to an end and so that local people can take up employment. Tom loves jumping on a bandwagon. Just like when he berates the planning committee that is controlled by his own party members over issues to do with Harrogate Spring Water.
Among those liking Cllr Hull's comment was Cllr Malcolm Taylor, the Conservative executive member for highways at North Yorkshire Council.
Mr Gordon previously claimed in September that “serious mismanagement” of roadworks at the new Tesco site were disturbing the lives of residents and businesses.
Mr Gordon said contractors were “flouting clear rules by working on Sundays and bank holidays, disturbing residents with excessive noise” and accused Conservative-run North Yorkshire Council of lacking oversight of the project.
He also claimed the closure of two nearby roads was causing “unnecessary disruption” to residents and shops, including the convenience store Number One Shop.
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