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18
Feb 2023
Ukraine war could delay Ripon Barracks housing plans, says councillor
If the war in Ukraine escalates the Ministry of Defence (MoD) could delay vacating the Ripon Barracks site for housing to be built, according to the leader of Ripon City Council.
For several years, government housing agency Homes England and the MoD have been developing plans to build 1,300 homes at Ripon Barracks, which has been used by the military since World War 1.
The scheme is called Clotherholme and also includes a new primary school, sports pitches, retail, food and drink units and a 60-bed care home.
The site consists of Deverell Barracks to the east, Claro Barracks to the west and Laver Banks to the south.
Deverell Barracks has already been vacated however Claro Barracks is still operational and in use by the Royal Engineers.
Previously, the MoD has said it would close the site in 2019 and 2023.
A computer generated image of how Chatham Road and Napier Street in Ripon would look under the plans.
Earlier this month, Conservative MP Julian Smith published a letter he received from defence minister Alex Chalk that said Claro Barracks will remain in use until late 2026.
Although the letter said that phased work would begin at Deverell Barracks once planning permission has been granted.
‘A changing world’
At a meeting of Ripon City Council this week, council leader Andrew Williams, who is also an independent councillor on North Yorkshire County Council, said the 2026 date is “optimistic” due to a changing geopolitical situation.
Cllr Williams said:
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
Read more:
- NHS objects to planned 1,300-home development on Ripon barracks
- Calls to assess impact of Ripon Cathedral’s £6m expansion on cafes and shops
- 1,300-home Ripon housing scheme set to be approved
Councillors will meet next Thursday afternoon in Harrogate to make a decision on whether the Ripon Barracks scheme goes ahead.
The plans have been recommended for approval by HBC case officer Andy Hough in a report.
The meeting will begin at 2pm on February 23 at the council’s Civic Centre. It will also be streamed live on its YouTube channel.
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