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16
Dec 2021
Majority are negative towards Harrogate Station Gateway, consultation reveals
The majority of people feel negatively towards the £10.9 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme, the latest consultation has revealed.
The results, published today, reveal that of 1,320 people who replied to an online survey, 55% feel negatively, 39% positively and five per cent neutral. One per cent said they didn't know.
A decision on whether to proceed with the scheme looks set to be made next month.
Although most people do not support it, and there is the threat of legal action from businesses opposed to the scheme, the councils backing the scheme may decide to proceed.
Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council, said a report would be sent to the council's executive, probably next month, recommending what action to take.
But he said he was still to be persuaded that "an £11 million investment in the town centre needs to be turned away".
Cllr Mackenzie said he didn't envisage many changes if the scheme does proceed, although he suggested cycle storage and access to some businesses affected by the initiative could be amended.
He added the scheme acted on the wishes of the 2019 Harrogate Congestion Study, which 15,500 residents took part in and revealed strong support for better walking and cycling infrastructure, public transport and encouragement to leave cars at home when making short journeys and opposition to building a relief road.
The main concerns
This was the second round of consultation on the scheme, which aims to make the town centre more attractive and encourage cycling and walking.
The most contentious aspects are plans to reduce a section of Station Parade to single lane traffic, part-pedestrianise James Street and re-route some traffic off Cheltenham Parade into neighbouring streets.
Read more:
- Harrogate businesses consider legal challenge to Station Gateway
- Stray Views: Station Gateway will benefit far more people than cyclists
Don Mackenzie talking at the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Many of those who responded positively to the consultation were motivated by benefits for walking and cycling, better use of public space and making the town centre a more attractive place for residents and visitors.
Most of those who responded negatively were concerned about the impact on traffic flows, congestion, air quality and local businesses, while some local householders expressed the view that vehicles would be diverted on to their residential streets.
Councillor Phil Ireland, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, said:
The full report on the findings of the Harrogate consultation, which ran from 18 October to 12 November, can be read here.
What is the Harrogate Station Gateway?
The Harrogate scheme is one of three projects worth a combined £42m in Harrogate, Skipton and Selby funded by the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which encourages cycling and walking.
They are being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Craven District Council and Selby District Council.
If the scheme goes ahead, work will begin by the middle of next year.
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