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Jan 2023

Last Updated: 13/01/2023

Transport

Harrogate business group calls for 'better solution' to Station Gateway

by Calvin Robinson

| 13 Jan, 2023

David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.

A Harrogate business group has called for a “better solution” to the Station Gateway scheme following the publication of the latest consultation.

David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said the scheme would have a “massive impact” on town centre businesses.

However, a Harrogate cycling group urged North Yorkshire County Council to progress with the project after thousands responded to the latest survey.

The third consultation results, which were published today, revealed 46 per cent of the responses were negative, 45 per cent were positive and nine per cent neutral towards the scheme.

The outcome is closer than the previous consultation when 59 per cent were negative and 39 per cent positive.

Mr Simister said all groups, including cyclists, needed to come together to come up with a solution that “all parties can buy into”.

He said:

“This is the third consultation, and yet again the majority of those responding have said they don’t agree with the proposals.

“It is going to have a massive impact on town centre business, many of whom are vehemently opposed to the scheme as they believe it will have a detrimental impact on their livelihoods.

“We recognise the impact of climate change and the need to encourage active travel, but it’s clear this project is not the correct way forward because the majority do not support it.

“We believe that all relevant stakeholders, including cycling groups, should collaborate and come up with a better solution, one that all parties can buy into and which will appeal to the majority, and ensure this investment is not lost.”

“There are elements of the scheme such as improvements to the public realm the majority are in favour of, me being one, however 46 per cent verses 45 per cent said they do not support the scheme.”

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Kevin Douglas, of Harrogate District Cycle Action, said the responses included some positive comments for the scheme.

He added the county council should proceed with its planned November start date.

Mr Douglas said:

“I am pleased that there is still strong support for the scheme of those people who agree with it.

“People thought it was a good use of the public space. We are a now at a point where it needs to progress.

“We did not feel that there was a need for a third consultation, but they have had more people respond now.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Chris Bentley, owner of Hornbeam Park Developments, for comment on the results, but he declined.

'Significantly higher support'

The £11.2 million scheme would transform the area around Harrogate’s railway and bus stations but has proved controversial because of its potential impact on business and traffic. It would see James Street partly pedestrianised and traffic on Station Parade reduced to single-lane.

A total of 2,044 people responded to the latest consultation — almost twice as many as last time.

North Yorkshire County Council, which is leading on the scheme, said today’s results “demonstrate significantly higher support for the proposals”.

Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said:

“It is encouraging to see the public voice significant and growing support for the gateway scheme and its objectives.

“While overall opinion of the scheme is split almost 50:50, key elements of the scheme received positive support from the public who took part. They told us they believe the scheme will be positive for business, make getting around the town centre safer and encourage more people to walk and cycle.”

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Harrogate business group calls for 'better solution' to Station Gateway

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'Significantly higher support'