North Yorkshire Council has revealed it hasn't made a decision on the relocation of its Harrogate horticultural nursery.

North Yorkshire Council Horticultural Nursery at Harlow Hill produces over 400,000 plants a year. It has been growing plants for the district’s parks and gardens since 1974 and also sells directly to the public.

In 2022 previous owner Harrogate Borough Council said the site was unsuitable for redevelopment and “no longer fit for purpose". It revealed it had identified a site in the Hampsthwaite and Killinghall ward for a new nursery and the Harlow Hill site would be sold for housing.

The Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35 allows for 40 homes to be built on the land. But in 2022 the borough council revealed plans to build 62 homes and flats with gardens. This prompted concerns from residents and as well as the local councillor.

But the borough council was abolished last year and there have been no updates on the site since by North Yorkshire Council, which succeeded it.

However, multiple posts were shared on social media last weekend from people saying nursery staff had told them the nursery will remain on the site, which caused speculation about the council's plans.

Councillor Mike Schofield, Independent for Harlow & St Georges division said:

We asked the council for an update and received the following statement from Barrie Mason, the council’s assistant director for highways and transportation:

No further details were provided.

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